ABSTRACT

This chapter describes design in several ways, first by definition, then by a pragmatic statement that emphasizes the selection and positioning of materials in space. Engineering is frequently viewed as a problem-solving discipline. In engineering colleges, first principles derived from the sciences, such as Newton's Laws of Motion, are applied to well-defined problems. Design is an especially perplexing function for the inexperienced engineer. Most formal undergraduate training is involved with learning analytical procedures. The designer's responsibility to produce the prototype or model from which all the units to be offered to consumers are fashioned calls for extreme accuracy. A mistake in the prototype can leave its mark on the whole population of subsequent similar devices. Development of new materials and new manufacturing processes motivate design improvements. Designers play a key role in keeping their companies competitive by introducing improvements that stretch the capability of the manufacturer and keep the company current.