The document discusses strategies for researching the need during the engineering design cycle. It begins with using web searches to gather initial information, while recognizing websites can provide questionable information. It recommends using specific keywords to find relevant results. The next steps involve establishing the relevance of the design problem by asking questions like whether other solutions exist, if there is a critical need, and evidence of a profitable market. Information should then be sorted to distinguish credible sources like peer-reviewed literature and reputable organizations from less reliable sources like blogs. Metrics are provided for evaluating the credibility of different information sources.
2. Establish the Relevance
Research the Need
After a problem is identified
and selected, whether by the
design team or by someone
else, it is time to research the
need for the problem to be
solved.
Doing so requires (a) an
initial search of information
(e.g. on the web); (b)
establishing the relevance of
the design; and (c) sorting
through information to
distinguish credible from
questionable information.
Identify the
Problem
Construct
Prototype
Research the
Need
Select the
Best Solution
Design
Solutions
Redesign/
Iterate
Test and
Evaluate
Present the
Solution
3. Web Searches: Good or Bad?
The
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Begins with
Gathering
Information!
While the information on websites
is often questionable and its
credibility hard to establish, Google
(and related) searches can be an
excellent first step in:
• Identifying the kind of
information that can justify "the
need"
• Capturing and culling keywords
that can be used in more
consistent databases of
information (such as the peer
reviewed literature)
• Locating existing products that
meet "the need" or identifying
existing solutions to "the
problem"
4. Web Searches: Good or Bad?
Gathering
Information
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
While the information on websites
is often questionable and its
credibility hard to establish, Google
(and related) searches can be an
excellent first step in:
• Identifying the kind of
information that can justify "the
need"
• Capturing and culling keywords
that can be used in more
consistent databases of
information (such as the peer
reviewed literature)
• Locating existing products that
meet "the need" or identifying
existing solutions to "the
problem"
Google (and other web searches) can't be the only place used to
Research the Need, but the web can be a great first place to look!
5. Efficient Web Searches
Gathering
Information
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
More keywords are better!
Searching "sensors" gives broad results, many which are not relevant
In general, when doing web searches, the more information
provided for the search, the more relevant the results will be.
6. Efficient Web Searches
Gathering
Information
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
More keywords are better!
Searching "sensors" gives broad results, many which are not relevant
Searching "sensors for monitoring carbon monoxide in air"– gives
products and information much more relevant to a specific design
In general, when
doing web
searches, the
more information
provided for the
search, the more
relevant the
results will be.
7. Efficient Web Searches
Gathering
Information
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Search for either one word or another
Google automatically assumes there is an "and" between words and
seeks results that contains all the words you specify.
A search
for "carbon
monoxide
ethanol
sensors"
looks only
for sensors
that do
both!
8. Efficient Web Searches
Gathering
Information
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Search for either one word or another
Google automatically assumes there is an "and" between words and
seeks results that contains all the words you specify.
A search for
"carbon
monoxide
sensors" gives
us what we are
looking for. A
separate
search on
ethanol
sensors can
complement
this search to
provide
information on
both types of
sensors.
9. Efficient Web Searches
Gathering
Information
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Filter out distracting or irrelevant words
Use the – sign to indicate words that you don't want to include in
a search.
10. Efficient Web Searches
Gathering
Information
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Filter out distracting or irrelevant words
Use the – sign to indicate words that you don't want to include in
a search. For example, if you want to look up "bass guitar" – you
may find yourself in a sea of websites on fish.
13. Efficient Web Searches
Gathering
Information
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Forage for the best keywords
Use similar words to describe what you are searching for and
identify those keywords that are more productive than others.
14. Efficient Web Searches
Gathering
Information
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Forage for the best keywords
Here a search for sustainability yields results that are too broad!
15. Efficient Web Searches
Gathering
Information
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Forage for the best
keywords:
Use similar words to
describe what you are
searching for and
identify those
keywords that are
more productive than
others. Here
narrowing the search
to sustainable
development gives us
more of what we
want.
16. Efficient Web Searches
Gathering
Information
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Search for similar web pages:
By using the related query
related:http://www.nationalgeographic.com
17. Efficient Web Searches
Gathering
Information
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Search by exact phrase
If your keywords are generating pages that are
not relevant to your search, try using an exact
phrase using double quotation marks. For
example: "carbon monoxide sensors"
18. Efficient Web Searches
Gathering
Information
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Use the Advanced Search page (if available)
Google and many other search engines
have an advanced search page that helps
in including or excluding information in
order to streamline the search and
eliminate useless links.
Search within a Search
19. Efficient Web Searches
Gathering
Information
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Use other search sites.
For example, within Google:
• Google News – to search current news articles
• Google Patent Search
• Google Scholar – to search peer reviewed
literature
• Google Images – good for finding graphs or
images to support presentations
• Google Videos – good for finding tutorials on
certain topics
20. Gathering Information
The Web Search
Research the Need
The Web Search is a great first
step in foraging for tutorials,
products, patents, performance,
overviews, opinions, and other
information regarding the
problem that your design will
address.
The next steps involve delving
deeper and becoming more
focused on the web, and in other
sources of information, to
Establish the Relevance of the
design in a credible and
convincing way!
Identify the
Problem
Construct
Prototype
Research the
Need
Select the
Best Solution
Design
Solutions
Redesign/Iter
ate
Test and
Evaluate
Present the
Solution
21. Are other successful
products already
developed to solve this
problem?
Establishing
Relevance
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Where to Look:
• Trade Magazines (e.g. IEEE Spectrum)
• Company Web Pages/Annual Reports
• Market Research
Asking Questions about the Design
22. Are other successful
products already
developed to solve this
problem?
Establishing
Relevance
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Asking Questions about the Design
Where to Look:
• Trade Magazines (e.g. IEEE Spectrum)
• Company Web Pages/Annual Reports
• Market Research
23. Establishing
Relevance
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Where to Look:
• Trade Magazines (e.g. IEEE Spectrum)
• Company Web Pages/Annual Reports
• Market Research
Are other successful
products already
developed to solve this
problem?
Asking Questions about the Design
24. Establishing
Relevance
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Where to Look:
• Trade Magazines (e.g. IEEE Spectrum)
• Company Web Pages/Annual Reports
• Market Research
Are other successful
products already
developed to solve this
problem?
Asking Questions about the Design
25. Are other successful
products already
developed to solve this
problem?
Establishin
g
Relevance
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Asking Questions about the Design
Where to Look:
• Trade Magazines (e.g. IEEE Spectrum)
• Company Web Pages/Annual Reports
• Market Research
26. Are other successful
products already
developed to solve this
problem?
Establishin
g
Relevance
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Asking Questions about the Design
Where to Look:
• Trade Magazines (e.g. IEEE Spectrum)
• Company Web Pages/Annual Reports
• Market Research
27. Establishing
Relevance
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Where to Look:
• Introduction/Background in Scientific/Peer-Reviewed Literature
• Reliable Government Organizations
• Reputable NGOs (Non-Government Organizations)
Is there a critical
need for this
product to address
the health and
well-being of
society?
Asking Questions about the Design
28. Establishing
Relevance
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Where to Look:
• Introduction/Background in Scientific/Peer-Reviewed Literature
• Reliable Government Organizations
• Reputable NGOs (Non-Government Organizations)
Is there a critical
need for this
product to address
the health and
well-being of
society?
Asking Questions about the Design
29. Establishing
Relevance
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Where to Look:
• Introduction/Background in Scientific/Peer-Reviewed Literature
• Reliable Government Organizations
• Reputable NGOs (Non-Government Organizations)
Is there a
critical
need for
this
product to
address
the health
and well-
being of
society?
Asking Questions about the Design
30. Establishing
Relevance
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Where to Look:
• Introduction/Background in Scientific/Peer-Reviewed Literature
• Reliable Government Organizations
• Reputable NGOs (Non-Government Organizations)
Is there a
critical
need for
this
product to
address
the health
and well-
being of
society?
Asking Questions about the Design
31. Establishing
Relevance
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Where to Look:
• Introduction/Background in Scientific/Peer-Reviewed Literature
• Reliable Government Organizations
• Reputable NGOs (Non-Government Organizations)
Is there a critical need for this product to address the
health and well-being of society?
Asking Questions about the Design
32. Establishing
Relevance
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Where to Look:
• Introduction/Background in Scientific/Peer-Reviewed Literature
• Reliable Government Organizations
• Reputable NGOs (Non-Government Organizations)
Is there a critical need for this product to address the
health and well-being of society?
Asking Questions about the Design
33. Establishing
Relevance
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Is there compelling evidence for a
profitable market for this
product/design?
Where to Look:
• Market Research
• Trade Magazines
• Introduction/Background in Peer Reviewed Literature
Asking Questions about the Design
34. Establishing
Relevance
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Is there compelling evidence for a
profitable market for this
product/design?
Where to Look:
• Market Research
• Trade Magazines
• Introduction/Background in Peer Reviewed Literature
Asking Questions about the Design
35. Establishing
Relevance
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Is there compelling evidence for a
profitable market for this
product/design?
Where to Look:
• Market Research
• Trade Magazines
• Introduction/Background in Peer Reviewed Literature
Asking Questions about the Design
36. Establishing
Relevance
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Is there compelling evidence for a
profitable market for this
product/design?
Where to Look:
• Market Research
• Trade Magazines
• Introduction/Background in Peer Reviewed Literature
Asking Questions about the Design
37. Establishing
Relevance
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Is there compelling
evidence for a
profitable market
for this
product/design?
Where to Look:
• Market Research
• Trade Magazines
• Introduction/Background in Peer Reviewed Literature
Asking Questions about the Design
38. Establishing
Relevance
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Is there compelling
evidence for a
profitable market
for this
product/design?
Where to Look:
• Market Research
• Trade Magazines
• Introduction/Background in Peer Reviewed Literature
Asking Questions about the Design
39. Once the design team has
gathered information to establish
the relevance of the problem (and
the design intended to solve that
problem), it is time to sort the
credible from the questionable
sources from which the information
was gathered. Once sorted, the
credible sources will be retained for
project proposals, design project
reviews, and other formal
communications of the design with
those outside the team. The
questionable sources can be
retained for internal team use only
or may be discarded altogether.
The Engineering Design Cycle
Identify the
Problem
Construct
Prototype
Research the
Need
Select the
Best Solution
Design
Solutions
Redesign/
Iterate
Test and
Evaluate
Present the
Solution
40. Many, many sources of Information
Identifying
Credibility
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Source of Information Credible? How to Determine Credibility
Peer-Reviewed Journals Very Often Eigenfactor, Impact Factor
Technical Conferences Often Acceptance Rate, Reach
Trade Magazines Often Reach, Stature, Reputation
Market Research Often Potential Bias, Reach & Reputation
Organizations,
Government
Often Stability and History of Government
Organizations,
Non-Government
Sometimes Potential Bias,
Possible Agendas
Blogs, Discussion
Forums
Rarely Author Reputation & Expertise
Newspapers,
Magazines,
Popular Publications
Sometimes Potential Bias,
Underlying Sources
Web Documents,
Author not disclosed
Rarely Reputation of Organization
Companies Sometimes Potential Bias, Possible Agendas
41. Gathering Information from:
Peer-Reviewed Journals
Identifying
Credibility
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Use a reputable database (IEEE
Xplore, Web of Science, etc.) to
search for articles from the peer
reviewed literature. Then, check
the credibility of journals and
journal articles using:
• Journal Citation Reports, or
• Eigenfactor.org
How to evaluate
articles associated
with journals in
Science and
Engineering
42. Gathering Information from:
Peer-Reviewed Journals
Identifying
Credibility
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Use a reputable database (IEEE
Xplore, Web of Science, etc.) to
search for articles from the peer
reviewed literature. Then, check
the credibility of journals and
journal articles using:
• Journal Citation Reports, or
• Eigenfactor.org
Is the Journal Listed?
• Yes – look at impact factor or article influence score?
– Is it well below average? (reject altogether or find another source to back up the
information gathered in and needed from the article)
– Is it average or above (great!)
• No – reject as not credible, or
• Maybe – combine with a more reputable source
How to evaluate
articles associated
with journals in
Science and
Engineering
43. Gathering Information from:
Technical Conferences
Identifying
Credibility
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
The first step in searching for
credible information is to use a
reputable database (IEEE
Xplore, Web of Science, etc.) to
search for conference articles.
44. Gathering Information from:
Technical Conferences
Identifying
Credibility
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Then, check the credibility of
conference articles by
evaluating the following
questions:
Is it a conference sponsored by a well known
professional or trade society?
Yes: it is likely credible
No: is questionable, information will need
to be backed up by another source.
Is the acceptance rate for articles well below
100%?
Is the conference?
Regional: credibility may be poor
National: credibility is likely to be solid
Truly International: credibility is good
45. Gathering Information from:
Trade Magazines
Identifying
Credibility
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Is the organization established?
Is it well known?
Does it have many members?
IEEE Spectrum:
• IEEE was founded in 1963 and now has over 400,000
members.
• Its trade magazine, IEEE Spectrum, will for the most part
contain credible information.
YES!
46. Gathering Information from:
Trade Magazines
Identifying
Credibility
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Is the organization established?
Is it well known?
Does it have many members?
The Journal of Petroleum Technology:
• SPE originated in AIME (another reputable organization) in
1957. SPE has over 160,000 members
• The Journal of Petroleum Technology is the "flagship
magazine" of SPE and will for the most part contain credible
information.
YES!
47. Gathering Information from:
Trade Magazines
Identifying
Credibility
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
• American Academy of Environmental Engineers
• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
• American Institute of Chemical Engineers
• American Society for Engineering Education
• American Society of Civil Engineers
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• American Society of Safety Engineers
• American Society for Nondestructive Testing
• ASM International
• Association for Computing Machinery
• Biomedical Engineering Society
• Institute of Biological Engineering
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Institute of Industrial Engineers
• Institute of Transportation Engineers
• National Society of Professional Engineers
• Society of Automotive Engineers
• Society of Manufacturing Engineers
• Society of Petroleum Engineers
These are some of
the major
professional and
trade societies in
the U.S. and would
provide the most
reliable and
credible data for
design teams
operating in the
U.S. Trade
organizations that
are young or do
not have an
established
reputation should
be questioned.
48. Gathering Information from:
Market Research Organizations
Identifying
Credibility
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Market Research
Provides important historical and projected markets for a
particular product or class of products.
Free & reputable sources of market data/statistics from the
U.S. government:
• SBA.gov (U.S. Small Business Administration)
• U.S. Census Bureau
• FedStats.gov
• EconomicIndicators.gov
49. Gathering Information from:
Market Research Organizations
Identifying
Credibility
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Market Research
Provides important historical and projected
markets for a particular product or class of
products.
The following publication is provided by many
university/college libraries:
• Market Share Reporter
50. Gathering Information from:
Market Research Organizations
Identifying
Credibility
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Market Research
Provides important historical and projected
markets for a particular product or class of
products.
Private market research firms charge $$$$ for
detailed reports but will often provide valuable &
credible summaries free of charge and on line:
Some major non-profit organizations also provide
valuable information about consumer attitudes
and trends:
• Google/Web Search: "Market research <product>"
• pewresearch.org
51. Gathering Information from:
Government Organizations
Identifying
Credibility
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
The more established and the more relevant the government, the
more credible the information.
In the United States, this means....
More local agencies (city, county, state) can also provide credible
information, but not as reliably as federal government agencies –and
should be backed up by additional sources for best credibility. The same
is true for governments that are not stable or globally recognized.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
52. Gathering Information from:
Non- Government Organizations (NGOs)
Identifying
Credibility
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
The more established the agency, the better.
• Peace Corps
• American Cancer Society
The more well known the agency name, the better.
• World Health Organization
The more unbiased the mission statement, the better.
The more unbiased the funding of the organization, the better.
What is PATH’s mission?
"Our mission is to improve the health of people around the
world by advancing technologies, strengthening systems,
and encouraging healthy behaviors."
Unbiased!
53. Gathering Information from:
Non- Government Organizations (NGOs)
Identifying
Credibility
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
The more established the agency, the better.
• Peace Corps
• American Cancer Society
The more well known the agency name, the better.
• World Health Organization
The more unbiased the mission statement, the better.
The more unbiased the funding of the organization, the better.
"Greenpeace exists because this fragile earth deserves a voice. It
needs solutions. It needs change. It needs action. Greenpeace is an
independent global campaigning organization that acts to change
attitudes and behavior, to protect and conserve the environment
and to promote peace."
Tending toward Biased!
54. Many, many sources of Information
Identifying
Credibility
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Source Credible? Investigating....
Peer-Reviewed Journals Very Often Eigenfactor, Impact Factor
Technical Conferences Often Acceptance Rate, Reach
Trade Magazines Often Reach, Stature, Reputation
Market Research Often Potential Bias, Reach &
Reputation
Organizations,
Government
Often Stability and History of
Government
Organizations,
Non-Government
Sometimes Potential Bias,
Possible Agendas
Blogs, Discussion Forums Rarely Author Reputation & Expertise
Newspapers, Magazines,
Popular Publications
Sometimes Potential Bias,
Underlying Sources
Web Documents,
Author not disclosed
Rarely Reputation of Organization
Companies Sometimes Potential Bias, Possible Agendas
55. Gathering Information from:
Companies & Corporations
Identifying
Credibility
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
In general, use information from a corporate organization that
• Can either be readily recognized, or
• Can be accompanied by a brief biography (origin of company,
market share, annual revenue, date of inception, etc.) that
establishes the stability and credibility of the company.
Started in 1948, Fluke is a
major manufacturer of
electronic testing equipment
and has over 2,500
employees at its home base
in Everett, Washington.
OR
56. Gathering Information from:
Companies & Corporations
Identifying
Credibility
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Company Web Sites:
Can be assumed to be biased and less credible than other sources. A
notable exception would be information that is referenced to another,
more credible source published outside the company (e.g. reputable
government reports, peer reviewed scientific literature, etc.)
Data Sheets and other Technical Information:
Can be assumed to provide accurate and credible information
regarding specifications, performance, and underlying science/theory
of operation but can be biased in stating the goodness of the device or
product.
"Honeywell continues to maintain product
excellence and performance by introducing
innovative solid-state magnetic sensor solutions.
These are highly reliable, top performance
products that are delivered when promised.
Honeywell’s magnetic sensor solutions provide
real solutions you can count on."
57. Gathering Information from:
Companies & Corporations
Identifying
Credibility
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Company/Corporation Annual Reports:
Information regarding overall market share and
revenue (which gives credibility to the company
as a whole).
Information regarding a particular product or
product line as a function of overall business
(which can be used to establish a company as an
expert on a particular product or product line).
Descriptions of the company and its products
are like most other company propaganda,
inherently biased.
As worldwide demand for renewable
energy continues to increase, it is
increasingly clear that consumers will
turn to energy-saving solutions from
Acme Electronics for their electronic
device needs.
58. Gathering Information from:
Companies & Corporations
Identifying
Credibility
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Company/Corporation Annual Reports:
Information regarding overall market share and
revenue (which gives credibility to the company
as a whole).
Information regarding a particular product or
product line as a function of overall business
(which can be used to establish a company as an
expert on a particular product or product line).
Descriptions of the company and its products
are like most other company propaganda,
inherently biased.
Acme Electronics
provides the world's
best video games to a
broad range of users.
59. Gathering Information from:
Companies & Corporations
Identifying
Credibility
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Company/Corporation Annual Reports:
Information regarding overall market share and
revenue (which gives credibility to the company
as a whole).
Information regarding a particular product or
product line as a function of overall business
(which can be used to establish a company as an
expert on a particular product or product line).
Descriptions of the company and its products
are like most other company propaganda,
inherently biased.
Acme Electronics
generated gross profits
of 1.4 billion dollars in
2015.
60. Gathering Information from:
Companies & Corporations
Identifying
Credibility
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
Company/Corporation Annual Reports:
Information regarding overall market share and
revenue (which gives credibility to the company
as a whole).
Information regarding a particular product or
product line as a function of overall business
(which can be used to establish a company as an
expert on a particular product or product line).
Descriptions of the company and its products
are like most other company propaganda,
inherently biased.
Acme Electronics
products carried 40% of
the global market share
in personal fitness
products in 2014.
61. Gathering Information from:
Many, Many Other Sources
Identifying
Credibility
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
When considering a wide range of other Print Sources:
– Newspapers
– Popular Magazines
– Propaganda, Brochures and the like
As well as Internet Sources:
– Blogs
– Discussion Forums
– Product reviews from companies or associations of companies
– Propaganda from organizations with a clear bias
– Any material with an unknown author
Red Flag:
Article has an author, but the author has no expertise in the area.
Red Flag:
Article contains science which is not timeless and is several years old.
62. Gathering Information from:
Many, Many Other Sources
Identifying
Credibility
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
When considering a wide range of other Print Sources:
– Newspapers
– Popular Magazines
– Propaganda, Brochures and the like
As well as Internet Sources:
– Blogs
– Discussion Forums
– Product reviews from companies or associations of companies
– Propaganda from organizations with a clear bias
– Any material with an unknown author
Red Flag:
Article has no author and no list of other sources/references.
Rule of Thumb:
An article that is UNauthored is very often UNcredible.
63. Gathering Information from:
Many, Many Other Sources
Identifying
Credibility
during the
Research
the
Need
phase of the
Engineering
Design
Cycle
When considering a wide range of other Print Sources:
– Newspapers
– Popular Magazines
– Propaganda, Brochures and the like
As well as Internet Sources:
– Blogs
– Discussion Forums
– Product reviews from companies or associations of companies
– Propaganda from organizations with a clear bias
– Any material with an unknown author
Yellow Flag:
Article is on Wikipedia and information of interest is either not
referenced or referenced to a source of questionable credibility.
64. Research the Need
Information is gathered; questions
of relevance are answered.
Information is then sorted to
support the relevance of the
design into categories of:
• Category 1: CREDIBLE
• Category 2: LIKELY
CREDIBLE (but needs backup
from CREDIBLE sources)
• Category 3: NOT CREDIBLE
(this information should be
retained for internal use only,
and never be seen in an
presentation or report to an
outside audience)
Identify the
Problem
Construct
Prototype
Research the
Need
Select the
Best Solution
Design
Solutions
Redesign/
Iterate
Test and
Evaluate
Present the
Solution
65. Thanks for joining us as we explored the second step of the
Engineering Design Cycle: Research the Need.
Complete Educational Materials (including assignments,
quizzes, and recorded lectures) on the topic of Basic
Engineering Design can be found at:
http://labs.ee.washington.edu/community/BasicEngDes/
The Engineering Design Cycle
