1. Problem Solving
AKA
Engineering Design Process
Uxbridge High School

2. Problem Solving Introduction
• Technology solves problems.
• Problem Solving meets a need.
• Problems can involve any combination of the
environment, society and/or an individual.
• Carefully thought out, multi-step procedure
must be used for the best results.
• Problem Solving is also known as the
ENGINEERING DESIGN PROCESS.

3. The Problem Solving Spiral
(Model may be a circle, steps or other shape)
Define The Problem Clearly
Begin Production
Redesign as needed 1
Gather
8 Information
Communicate 2
the Solution
7 You can restart at Think Of
any step if revisions Alternative
3
are needed. Solutions
Evaluate or 6
Choose The
test the 4 Best Solution
Solution 5
Make a Prototype

4. Scientific Method & Design Process
Compared
• State the problem • State the problem
• Gather information • Gather information
• Form a Hypothesis • Create alternative
– an explanation that can solutions
be tested • Select the best solution
• Perform the • Create a prototype
experiment • Evaluate or test the
• Analyzes the results prototype
• Repeat the process • Communicate the
with other samples results of the test
– Reporting the findings • Redesign as needed
Note how some steps are similar.

5. Describe The Problem
Page 1 of 2
• What is the problem?
• It is helpful to Clearly Identify The Problem
• Two ways to help identify the problem:
~Write the problem in one or two sentences.
– Write it down helps to organize thoughts and understanding.
~ Read your sentences or say the problem out loud
– The best way is to say it to others. Listeners help to check if it is
truly the problem or is more to the problem.

6. Stating the problem in Detail
Page 1 of 2
•Describe the problem, List goals of desired
results, specifications & limitations.
–List Goals of your solution or what exactly
the solution needs to accomplish.
– List all design constraints which are the
Specifications or regulations, also include
the Limitations, which is the resources that
are available or not available.

7. Gather Background
Information
• Research saves valuable resources
– (Labor, Materials, Energy, Capital ($) and Time)
• Helps to design a better product or service
• Extra time spent on this step most often saves
time etc. later.
• Examine current issues, events and trends
• Companies do market research to see if
customers want a product (Market Analysis, Product Surveys)
• Explore other options via internet, library,
interviews, Etc.

8. Develop Alternative Solutions
• Alternative Solutions are different possibilities to
the same problem often called alternatives.
• Five ways of finding alternatives:
Past experience, Trial and error, Brainstorming,
Insight or by Accident
• Brainstorming - each person makes suggestions
without evaluation during the brainstorm
meeting.
– Rule of Brainstorming: Listen to all ideas as it may lead to
other ideas or solutions. No Put Downs!
– Good brainstorming practice is to write every idea down
for later reference.

9. Select The Best Solution
• Compare the solutions and the stated problem to see if
the goals or intentions are met and it is within the
resource limitations.
• List advantages and disadvantage of each alternative to
aid in selecting the best solution.
• Other considerations
– Impacts on society, environment and individuals
should be a consideration.
– Values and morals - the way we feel about
something
– Tradeoffs - A compromise - we accept some
risks in order to obtain benefits
Y o u C a n ’t a l wa y s g e t wh a t y o u wa n t . B u t
if y o u t r y s o me t ime , y o u g e t wh a t y o u

10. Create a Prototype
• Implement or Actually building or
creating the solution
– put the solution into effect
– to create the actual solution
• A prototype is a working model
• Simulation - a away of testing solution in
near real conditions (astronaut & pilot training)

11. Evaluate The Solution
• Prototypes or Working Models - usually first build
and used to test or evaluate a solutions to see if they
meet design constraints.
• Design constraints are specifications and limitations.
• Technology often becomes obsolete.
– Companies that continue to evaluate often develop new
(up-grades) technologies and avoid having the company
become obsolete.

12. Communicate your solutions
• Make an Engineering Presentation. Include
how the solution best meets the needs of the
problem.
• Discuss impacts to society, individuals, and
the environment.
• An explanation of the trade-offs for each
solution and why this design is the best
solution.

13. Begin production
Redesign as needed
• Redesign based on information gathered during
tests and presentations.
• When design is finalized begin mass production.
• Continue to monitor after production.
– Improve products based on consumer input.
– Improve production methods to reduce costs,
improve safety for consumers and employees.
– Best solutions work well, are economical and cause
the least harm to people and the environment.

14. Scientific Method
verses
Design Process
• The steps in a side by side comparison are very
similar.
– For example compare these two:
• Collect information with gather information
• Performing an experiment is the same as testing a
hypothesis which is similar to Evaluate or test a prototype.
• Alternate way viewing: The Scientific Method
can be viewed as the Gather Information of the
design process. (See next slide for illustration)

15. Scientific Method & Design Process
Compared
• State the problem • State the problem
• Collect information • Gather information
• Form a Hypothesis • Create alternative
– an explanation that can solutions
be tested • Select the best
• Perform the solution
experiment • Create a prototype
• Analyzes the results • Evaluate or test the
• Repeat the process prototype
with other samples • Communicate the
– Reporting the findings results of the test
• Redesign as needed

16. Background to Problem Solving
• For the best results follow the problem solving
procedures, don’t skip steps.
• Keep a record of all ideas.
• Remember good solutions often require trade-offs.
• The best solutions work well, are economical, and
causes the least harm to people or the environment.
Technology does have
positive and negative impacts!
Depends on values,
who possesses the technology, and the trade-offs

17. Thinking Skills
• Critical Thinking Skills - used to analyze
problems and make judgement
• Creative Thinking Skills - used to develop
original ideas or improve others people’s ideas
• Decision-Making skills - used to make a choice
among several possibilities
– Communicate possible solutions with Drawings
and/or Descriptions
– Continue to develop possible solutions as new
information and resources are available.

18. Very Soon!!!!
Test!!!
Study Hard and Good Luck

19. Scientific Method
• Make Observations
• Collect information
• Form a Hypothesis - an explanation that can be
tested
• Perform the experiment
• Analyzes the results
• Repeat the process with other samples
– Reporting the findings