The technological design process has specific steps that are used to address a need or want of society. Click through the slideshow below to learn more about these steps.
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Identify a Need The first step of the design process is to identify a need or opportunity for a technological solution. Some needs are easy to spot. Some needs become clear as a result of something else. Imagine what would happen if the government suddenly passed a law that says all cars must get better gas mileage than they currently do. Suddenly car makers would have a great need for new technology that would improve the gas mileages of their cars.
Research The second step is to do some research. Find out about any work that has already been completed on the subject you are working on. Search printed electronic and human sources of information. The library or internet can help you find research completed by others in same area. You may be able to build on work that has already been done. Even if no other work has been completed on your exact problem, you will still need to learn about the scientific principles involved in the problem.
Generate Ideas Most problems have more than one solution. Cars may achieve better gas mileage if they are shaped differently. Differences in engine design might also result in better gas mileage. As you think about your problem, write down all the ideas you have that might make a difference.
Propose a Design Once you have come up with some ideas, propose a solution to your problem. Pick the idea or ideas that seem most likely to solve your problem. You may even propose several different solutions at this stage. Your proposal may sound something like, “Let’s make cars with lighter material so they will weigh less. This will make them have better gas mileage.”
Test Your Design The next step is to test your designs. You may be able to test the real thing or you might need to make a model. A model is an object, built to scale, that represents another object. A model car is an example. It is less expensive than the real thing, so you can test it several times. You can also control it more easily. Whenever possible, the model should be made of the same materials that your real object will be made of. It should represent the real object as closely as possible.
Decide on a Final Design Sometimes a design fails the test. After a test you might realize something that you need to do differently. You may find out that lighter cars do indeed make the car have better gas mileage but that they also have reduced strength. You may decide that the reduced strength is a side effect that is not acceptable to you. You will then need to change your design, test it again and eventually decide on a final design that best meets your needs. |
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