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35 Design Engineering Project Topics for Computer Engineering

Imagine being the architect of the digital world, where your ideas transform into real solutions. That’s the essence of design engineering in computer science. It’s a dynamic field that empowers computer engineering students to craft innovative answers to real-world challenges. These projects aren’t just assignments; they’re the launchpad for your career.

But, the first step to this exciting journey is crucial: choosing the perfect project topic. Your choice will shape your learning and future opportunities. In this blog, we’ll dive into the world of design engineering, offering insights into what it’s all about. We’ll also guide you through the process of selecting the ideal project topic. And, to spark your imagination, we’ve curated a list of design engineering project topics for computer engineering students. Let’s embark on this creative adventure together!

What is Design Engineering?

Table of Contents

Design engineering is a multidisciplinary field that combines principles from various engineering disciplines to design and develop systems, products, or solutions. In the context of computer engineering, design engineering focuses on creating hardware and software solutions that address specific challenges or needs. These projects typically involve problem identification, conceptualization, design, prototyping, testing, and implementation.

Design engineering projects in computer engineering can range from developing new software applications, designing innovative hardware components, optimizing existing systems, or even tackling broader challenges like sustainable technology or healthcare solutions.

How Do I Choose My Design Engineering Project Topics?

Choosing the right design engineering project topics for computer engineering students is a crucial step in your design engineering journey. Here are some steps to help you make an informed decision:

1. Identify Your Interests

Start by considering your interests and passions within the field of computer engineering. Do you enjoy programming, hardware design, networking, or robotics? Your project should align with your interests to keep you motivated throughout the process.

2. Assess Your Skills

Take stock of your technical skills and knowledge. Are you more proficient in software development, electronics, or both? Your project should challenge you but also be achievable based on your current skill set.

3. Seek Guidance

Consult with professors, mentors, or professionals in the field. They can provide valuable insights, suggest project ideas, and help you refine your project proposal.

4. Define a Problem

Identify a real-world problem or challenge that your project can address. Your project should have a clear purpose and potential impact.

5. Consider Resources

Think about the resources you’ll need for your project. Do you have access to the necessary equipment, software, or support? Ensure your project is feasible within your constraints.

6. Research Existing Projects

Review existing design engineering projects to see what has been done before. This can help you identify gaps or areas where you can innovate.

Innovative Design Engineering Project Topics for Computer Engineering

Here is a diverse list of design engineering project topics for computer engineering students. These topics cover a wide range of subfields and challenges within computer engineering:

Hardware Projects

Let’s dive into the design engineering project topics for computer engineering students in hardware:

1. Smart Home Automation System: Design a system that allows users to control and monitor their home appliances remotely.

2. Gesture Recognition Device: Create a device that can recognize and interpret hand gestures for various applications.

3. Wearable Health Monitor: Develop a wearable device that tracks vital signs and sends data to a smartphone app.

4. IoT-based Agriculture Solution: Design an IoT system to optimize farming practices, including soil moisture monitoring and automated irrigation.

5. Low-Cost 3D Printer: Build an affordable 3D printer for educational or prototyping purposes.

6. Robotics Arm: Create a robotic arm with various applications, such as manufacturing or healthcare.

Software Projects

Discover some design engineering project topics for computer engineering students in software:

1. Machine Learning for Predictive Maintenance: Develop a predictive maintenance system using machine learning to reduce equipment downtime.

2. Natural Language Processing Chatbot: Build a chatbot that can understand and respond to natural language queries.

3. Virtual Reality (VR) Game: Create an immersive VR game or simulation for entertainment or educational purposes.

4. Mobile App for Disaster Management: Design a mobile app that provides real-time information and assistance during disasters.

5. Blockchain-Based Secure Voting System: Develop a secure and transparent electronic voting system using blockchain technology.

6. Traffic Management System: Build a smart traffic management system that optimizes traffic flow and reduces congestion.

Networking Projects

Now, let’s explore some easy design engineering project topics for computer engineering students in networking:

1. 5G Network Optimization: Optimize 5G network performance and reliability in a specific area.

2. IoT-Based Energy Monitoring: Create an IoT solution to monitor and control energy consumption in homes or businesses.

3. Network Security Analyzer: Develop a tool that can detect and mitigate network security threats in real time.

4. Software-defined networking (SDN) Controller: Build an SDN controller for efficient network management and customization.

5. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) System: Design a VoIP system for voice communication over the Internet. incorporating the seamless integration of USA virtual phone numbers . These virtual phone numbers not only enhance accessibility but also provide a flexible solution for users to make and receive calls from different geographical locations, contributing to efficient communication infrastructure.

6. Cloud-Based Network Traffic Analyzer: Develop a cloud-based solution that captures and analyzes network traffic data for performance optimization.

Embedded Systems Projects

Here are some design engineering project topics for computer engineering students in embedded systems:

1. Smart Traffic Lights: Create an intelligent traffic light system that adapts to traffic flow.

2. Automated Plant Watering System: Build a system that automatically waters plants based on soil moisture levels.

3. Home Energy Management System: Design a system that optimizes energy usage in homes using IoT sensors.

4. Smart Mirror: Develop a mirror that displays useful information, such as weather updates and calendar events.

5. IoT-Based Health Monitoring Wearable: Create a wearable device for continuous health monitoring and data collection.

6. Autonomous Robotic Vacuum Cleaner: Design and develop an autonomous robotic vacuum cleaner that can navigate and clean rooms efficiently while avoiding obstacles.

Cybersecurity Projects

Discover some design engineering project topics for computer engineering students in cybersecurity:

1. Network Intrusion Detection System: Build an intrusion detection system to identify and mitigate network attacks.

2. Ransomware Protection Tool: Develop a tool to protect against ransomware attacks and data encryption.

3. Password Manager App: Create a secure password manager app for users to store and manage their passwords.

4. Biometric Authentication System: Design a biometric-based authentication system for enhanced security.

5. Secure File Encryption: Develop a secure file encryption and decryption tool.

6. IoT Security Framework: Develop a comprehensive security framework for Internet of Things (IoT) devices and networks.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Projects

Let’s dive into the design engineering project topics for computer engineering students in AI.

1. AI-Based Personal Assistant: Create a virtual personal assistant powered by AI for tasks like scheduling and information retrieval.

2. Image Recognition System: Develop an image recognition system that can identify objects in images or videos.

3. AI-Based Music Generator: Build an AI-driven music composition tool.

4. Healthcare Diagnosis AI: Design an AI system for diagnosing medical conditions from patient data.

5. Autonomous Drone: Create an autonomous drone for tasks like surveillance or delivery.

6. AI-Powered Language Translation: Design an AI-driven language translation system capable of translating text or speech between multiple languages with high accuracy and efficiency. 

What Determines the Success of an Engineering Design Project?

The success of an engineering design project hinges on several key factors:

Clear Objectives

Success begins with well-defined project objectives. Understanding what needs to be achieved and setting clear goals is the foundation for the entire project.

Effective Planning

Comprehensive project planning, including resource allocation, timeline management, and risk assessment, is essential. A well-structured plan serves as a roadmap for the project’s execution.

Team Collaboration

Effective communication and collaboration among team members are critical. A cohesive team that works harmoniously can address challenges more efficiently.

Innovation and Creativity

Successful projects often involve innovative solutions that address the problem at hand more efficiently or elegantly. Creativity in design can set a project apart.

Adaptability

Flexibility in response to unexpected issues or changes in project requirements is vital. The ability to adapt and make informed decisions in real time is a hallmark of successful engineering projects.

Quality Control

Ensuring that the final product or solution meets high-quality standards is non-negotiable. Rigorous testing and quality control processes are essential.

Client Satisfaction

Ultimately, the success of a project is often determined by whether it meets or exceeds client expectations. Regular feedback and client engagement throughout the project are crucial.

Cost and Resource Management

Staying within budget and efficiently managing resources are essential for project success. Cost overruns can lead to project delays and dissatisfaction.

Timely Delivery

Meeting project deadlines is a key success factor. Delays can result in increased costs and a negative impact on stakeholders.

Documentation and Knowledge Transfer

Proper documentation of the project’s design, implementation, and maintenance processes ensures that the project’s success is sustainable over time. Knowledge transfer to relevant parties is crucial for long-term success.

Choosing the right design engineering project topics for computer engineering students is crucial for your academic and professional growth. It should align with your interests and skills while addressing a real-world problem or challenge. The list of project ideas provided here covers a wide spectrum of computer engineering subfields, from hardware and software development to networking, cybersecurity, embedded systems, and artificial intelligence . Remember to consult with mentors, conduct thorough research, and consider available resources before finalizing your project topic. With the right project, you can gain valuable experience and contribute to the advancement of computer engineering technology.

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50+ Design Thinking Project Ideas for Engineering Students

Engineering students often find themselves grappling with complex technical problems and equations. While these are fundamental to their education, they might miss out on a crucial aspect of innovation and problem-solving—design thinking. Design thinking is a human-centered approach to innovation that emphasizes empathy, creativity, and collaboration. It’s not just for designers; it’s a mindset that can benefit engineers and technologists too. In this blog post, we’ll explore the concept of design thinking project ideas for engineering students, its benefits, key principles, and some exciting project ideas to get you started.

The Benefits of Design Thinking Projects For Engineering Students

Table of Contents

Design thinking offers several advantages, and engineering students can leverage these benefits to enhance their skill set and improve their approach to problem-solving.

• Problem-Solving Skills: Design thinking projects help students tackle real-world problems. These experiences develop their problem-solving abilities, which are valuable in any engineering discipline.
• Creativity and Innovation: Design thinking fosters creativity and innovation by encouraging students to think outside the box. Engineering students often need to devise novel solutions to complex problems, and design thinking equips them with the tools to do just that.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Many engineering projects are team-based, and design thinking promotes collaboration. Working with peers from different backgrounds can lead to diverse and innovative solutions.
• User-Centric Approach: Design thinking places the end user at the center of the design process. This ensures that the final product or solution meets the needs and expectations of the people it’s intended for, improving its chances of success.
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Key Principles of Design Thinking

Design thinking consists of several key principles, which serve as a framework for problem-solving and innovation:

• Empathize: The first step involves understanding the needs and perspectives of the end-users. Students can conduct interviews, surveys, and observations to gain empathy for the people they are designing for.
• Define: In this phase, the problem is precisely defined. What is the issue that needs to be addressed? What are the project goals, and what are the constraints?
• Ideate: This stage is all about brainstorming and generating creative ideas. Encourage students to think freely and explore as many possibilities as they can.
• Prototype: Create a physical or digital representation of the idea. Prototypes allow students to test their concepts and identify strengths and weaknesses early in the design process.
• Test: The final phase involves obtaining feedback from users and stakeholders. Based on the feedback, iterate on the design and continue testing until the solution is refined and perfected.

50+ Design Thinking Project Ideas For Engineering Students

Now that you understand the principles of design thinking let’s explore some exciting project ideas for engineering students:

Mechanical Engineering

• Redesign a bicycle for better urban mobility.
• Create a sustainable packaging solution for consumer products.
• Develop a modular furniture system for small spaces.
• Design a more efficient water pump for rural areas.
• Improve safety features for motorcycle helmets.
• Create a new type of ergonomic office chair.

Electrical Engineering

• Design a smart home automation system.
• Develop a low-cost solar-powered phone charger.
• Create a wearable health monitoring device.
• Design an energy-efficient LED lighting system.
• Develop a smart grid system for efficient energy management.
• Design a home energy management app.

Civil Engineering

• Redesign a city park for better accessibility.
• Develop a sustainable urban drainage system.
• Create a disaster-resistant building design.
• Design a pedestrian-friendly street infrastructure.
• Improve public transportation for a specific city.
• Develop a low-cost housing solution for urban areas.

Computer Science & Software Engineering

• Create an app for reducing food waste.
• Develop a virtual reality-based education platform.
• Design a gamified fitness and health app.
• Create a traffic management system using AI.
• Develop a social networking platform for a specific niche.
• Design a cybersecurity tool to protect against online threats.

Biomedical Engineering

• Develop a low-cost prosthetic limb.
• Design a portable diagnostic medical device.
• Create a medical app for remote patient monitoring.
• Improve the design of assistive devices for the disabled.
• Develop a smart wearable for early disease detection.
• Design a medication adherence tracking system.

Environmental Engineering

• Create a sustainable water purification system.
• Design a waste-to-energy conversion facility.
• Develop a water-saving irrigation system for agriculture.
• Design an eco-friendly transportation network.
• Improve recycling and waste management in a specific city.
• Develop a plastic waste reduction solution.

Aerospace Engineering

• Redesign aircraft interiors for comfort and space efficiency.
• Create a drone for environmental monitoring.
• Design a lightweight, high-speed train system.
• Develop a reusable rocket for space exploration.
• Design a supersonic passenger aircraft.
• Create an innovative spacecraft propulsion system.

Industrial Engineering

• Optimize a manufacturing process for energy efficiency.
• Design a lean and efficient warehouse layout.
• Develop a supply chain optimization tool.
• Create an autonomous robotic assembly line.
• Improve the ergonomics of a specific factory.
• Design a sustainable packaging line for a company.

Materials Science and Engineering

• Develop a new, sustainable material for construction.
• Create a biodegradable alternative to plastic.
• Design a heat-resistant material for high-temperature applications.
• Improve the durability of road pavements.
• Develop a novel material for clean energy storage.
• Design a lightweight material for aerospace applications.

Renewable Energy Engineering

• Create a portable solar power generator.
• Design an efficient wind turbine for urban areas.
• Develop a wave energy harvesting system.
• Design a biomass energy conversion process.
• Improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings.
• Create a solar-powered water desalination system.

These design thinking project ideas cover a wide range of engineering disciplines, providing opportunities for students to tackle real-world challenges and develop innovative solutions. 

Students can choose projects based on their interests and expertise, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.

Successful Case Studies

To inspire students and provide real-world examples of how design thinking can make an impact, you can share case studies of successful design thinking projects in the engineering world. For instance:

• Design Thinking in Product Design: Discuss how companies like Apple, Tesla, or Dyson have integrated design thinking into their product development processes, leading to iconic and innovative products.
• Engineering for Social Impact: Highlight projects where engineers have used design thinking to address social and environmental challenges, such as providing clean drinking water in remote areas or designing low-cost prosthetic limbs for amputees in developing countries.

Tips for Implementing Design Thinking Projects

When implementing design thinking project ideas for engineering students, consider the following tips:

• Form Multidisciplinary Teams: Encourage students to work in multidisciplinary teams to bring diverse perspectives and skills to the project.
• Set Clear Goals: Define the project’s objectives, scope, and desired outcomes from the beginning to provide students with a clear sense of direction.
• Encourage Experimentation: Emphasize the importance of experimentation and risk-taking. Failure can lead to valuable insights and breakthroughs.
• Seek Mentorship: Provide students with access to mentors or advisors who can guide them through the design thinking process and offer expertise in specific technical areas.

Design thinking is not just a concept for designers; it’s a valuable approach for engineering students to tackle complex problems, foster innovation, and create solutions that meet real-world needs. By integrating design thinking principles into their projects, engineering students can become more well-rounded and effective problem-solvers. These design-thinking project ideas for engineering students not only enhance their technical skills but also empower them to make a meaningful impact on the world.

So, as an engineering student, don’t hesitate to embrace design thinking. It’s a powerful tool that can transform your approach to problem-solving and pave the way for a successful and fulfilling engineering career.

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• Prof. Oral Buyukozturk

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• Civil and Environmental Engineering

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Structural engineering design, assignments.

Some of the problems are from the course textbook: Nilson, A. H., Design of Concrete Structures , 13th Edition, McGraw Hill, 2004. Problem Set 6 refers to problems in one of the reference books : Galambos, T. V., Lin, F. J., Johnston, B. G., Basic Steel Design with LRFD , Prentice Hall, 1996.

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The Engineering Design Process

The engineering design process is a series of steps that engineers use to create solutions to problems. It is a structured approach to problem-solving that involves identifying a problem, defining the problem, generating potential solutions, evaluating those solutions, selecting the best solution, and implementing and testing that solution. The engineering design process is iterative, meaning that engineers often repeat some or all of the steps several times to refine their solution. It is a critical component of the field of engineering, as it allows engineers to solve complex problems and create new products and technologies. Effective use of the engineering design process requires a strong understanding of engineering principles, scientific methods, and mathematical analysis.

The engineering design process involves making a series of decisions. Each decision must be carefully considered and justified based on various factors such as function, safety, cost, and feasibility. Throughout the process, engineers must weigh the benefits and drawbacks of different options and choose the best course of action based on their knowledge, experience, and the available resources. Justifying decisions is an essential part of the design process as it helps to ensure that the final product meets the required specifications and functions as intended. By justifying each decision, engineers can also communicate their thought process to others involved in the project, such as clients, stakeholders, or team members, and gain their trust and support.

The engineering design process is nearly always iterative in nature. Retracing steps and going back to a previous decision is a common occurrence in the engineering design process. As new information is gathered or unforeseen challenges arise, engineers may realize that an earlier decision was not the best one. In such cases, it is important to reevaluate the decision, consider alternative options, and make a new decision based on the updated information. This process of reiteration and adjustment is a fundamental part of the design process, as it allows engineers to continually improve and refine their designs until they meet the desired specifications. Accepting that retracing steps is sometimes necessary can be challenging, but it is essential to maintain a flexible mindset and be willing to adapt as new information comes to light. By doing so, engineers can ensure that they are producing the best possible outcome for their project.

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the engineering design process, a typical process often includes the following steps:

• Define the problem : The first step in the design process is to clearly define the problem you are trying to solve. This involves understanding the needs and requirements of the user or customer, identifying any constraints or limitations, and setting specific goals and objectives.
• Conduct research : Once the problem has been defined, engineers typically conduct research to gain a deeper understanding of the problem and potential solutions. This may involve reviewing existing products or technologies, conducting experiments, or gathering data through surveys or other methods.
• Develop potential solutions : Using the information gathered during the research phase, engineers develop a range of potential solutions to the problem. This may involve brainstorming, sketching, or creating computer models of different designs.
• Evaluate potential solutions : Engineers then evaluate each potential solution based on a set of criteria, such as cost, performance, safety, and ease of use. This may involve creating prototypes, conducting simulations, or performing experiments to test each design.
• Select the best solution : After evaluating each potential solution, engineers select the best design to move forward with. This may involve combining different elements of different designs or modifying a design to better meet the requirements of the problem.
• Implement and test the solution : Once a design has been selected, engineers implement and test the solution. This may involve building a prototype, performing additional simulations or experiments, or conducting user testing to ensure that the solution meets the needs of the user or customer.
• Iterate and improve : The engineering design process is iterative, meaning that engineers often repeat some or all of these steps several times to refine their solution. This may involve making changes to the design based on user feedback or additional testing, or identifying new problems that need to be addressed.

Engineering Design Assumptions

Design Methodologies

Risk Mitigation through Design

Design Perspicuity

Engineering design – example projects.

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• Solving Everyday Problems Using the Engineering Design Cycle

Hands-on Activity Solving Everyday Problems Using the Engineering Design Cycle

Grade Level: 7 (6-8)

(two 60-minutes class periods)

Additional materials are required if the optional design/build activity extension is conducted.

Group Size: 4

Activity Dependency: None

Subject Areas: Science and Technology

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This activity introduces students to the steps of the engineering design process. Engineers use the engineering design process when brainstorming solutions to real-life problems; they develop these solutions by testing and redesigning prototypes that work within given constraints. For example, biomedical engineers who design new pacemakers are challenged to create devices that help to control the heart while being small enough to enable patients to move around in their daily lives.

After this activity, students should be able to:

• Explain the stages/steps of the engineering design process .
• Identify the engineering design process steps in a case study of a design/build example solution.
• Determine whether a design solution meets the project criteria and constraints.
• Think of daily life situations/problems that could be improved.
• Apply the engineering design process steps to develop their own innovations to real-life problems.
• Apply the engineering design cycle steps to future engineering assignments.

Educational Standards Each TeachEngineering lesson or activity is correlated to one or more K-12 science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) educational standards. All 100,000+ K-12 STEM standards covered in TeachEngineering are collected, maintained and packaged by the Achievement Standards Network (ASN) , a project of D2L (www.achievementstandards.org). In the ASN, standards are hierarchically structured: first by source; e.g. , by state; within source by type; e.g. , science or mathematics; within type by subtype, then by grade, etc .

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Each group needs:

• Marisol Case Study , one per student
• Group Leader Discussion Sheet , one per group

To share with the entire class:

• computer/projector setup to show the class the Introduction to the Engineering Design Cycle Presentation , a Microsoft® PowerPoint® file
• paper and pencils
• (optional) an assortment of scrap materials such as fabric, super glue, wood, paper, plastic, etc., provided by the teacher and/or contributed by students, to conduct the hands-on design/build extension activity

(Have the 19-slide Introduction to the Engineering Design Cycle Presentation , a PowerPoint® file, ready to show the class.)

Have you ever experienced a problem and wanted a solution to it? Maybe it was a broken backpack strap, a bookshelf that just kept falling over, or stuff spilling out of your closet? (Let students share some simple problems with the class). With a little bit of creativity and a good understanding of the engineering design process, you can find the solutions to many of these problems yourself!

But what is the engineering design process? (Listen to some student ideas shared with the class.) The engineering design process, or cycle, is a series of steps used by engineers to guide them as they solve problems.

(Show students the slide presentation. Refer to the notes under each slide for a suggested script and comments. The slides introduce the main steps of the engineering design process, and walk through a classroom problem—a teacher’s disorganized desk that is preventing timely return of graded papers—and how students devise a solution. It also describes the work of famous people—Katherine Johnson, Lee Anne Walters, Marc Edwards, James E. West and Jorge Odón—to illustrate successful examples of using the steps of the engineering design process.)

Now that we’ve explore the engineering design process, let’s see if we can solve a real-world problem. Marisol is a high-school student who is very excited to have their own locker. They have lots of books, assignments, papers and other items that they keep in their locker. However, Marisol is not very organized. Sometimes they are late to class because they need extra time to find things that were stuffed into their locker. What is Marisol’s problem? (Answer: Their locker is disorganized.) In your groups, you’ll read through Marisol’s situation and see how they use the engineering design process to solve it. Let’s get started!

This activity is intended as an introduction to the engineering design cycle. It is meant to be relatable to students and serve as a jumping off point for future engineering design work.

Engineers follow the steps of the engineering design process to guide them as they solve problems. The steps shown in Figure 1 are:

Ask: identify the need & constraints

• Identify and define the problem. Who does the problem affect? What needs to be accomplished? What is the overall goal of the project?
• Identify the criteria and constraints. The criteria are the requirements the solution must meet, such as designing a bag to hold at least 10 lbs. Constraints are the limitations and restrictions on a solution, such as a maximum budget or specific dimensions.

Research the problem

• Learn everything you can about the problem. Talk to experts and/or research what products or solutions already exist.
• If working for a client, such as designing new filters for a drinking water treatment plant, talk with the client to determine the needs and wants.

Imagine: develop possible solutions

• Brainstorm ideas and come up with as many solutions as possible. Wild and crazy ideas are welcome! Encourage teamwork and building on ideas.

Plan: select a promising solution

• Consider the pros and cons of all possible solutions, keeping in mind the criteria and constraints.
• Choose one solution and make a plan to move forward with it.

Create: build a prototype

• Create your chosen solution! Push for creativity, imagination and excellence in the design.

Test and evaluate prototype

• Test out the solution to see how well it works. Does it meet all the criteria and solve the need? Does it stay within the constraints? Talk about what worked during testing and what didn’t work. Communicate the results and get feedback. What could be improved?

Improve: redesign as needed

• Optimize the solution. Redesign parts that didn’t work, and test again.
• Iterate! Engineers improve their ideas and designs many times as they work towards a solution.

Some depictions of the engineering design process delineate a separate step—communication. In the Figure 1 graphic, communication is considered to be incorporated throughout the process. For this activity, we call out a final step— communicate the solution —as a concluding stage to explain to others how the solution was designed, why it is useful, and how they might benefit from it. See the diagram on slide 3.

For another introductory overview of engineering and design, see the What Is Engineering? What Is Design? lesson and/or show students the What Is Engineering? video. 

Before the Activity

• Make copies of the five-page Marisol Case Study , one per student, and the Group Leader Discussion Sheet , one per group.
• Be ready to show the class the Introduction to the Engineering Design Cycle Presentation , a PowerPoint® file.

With the Students

• As a pre-activity assessment, spend a few minutes asking students the questions provided in the Assessment section.
• Present the Introduction/Motivation content to the class, which includes using the slide presentation to introduce students to the engineering design cycle. Throughout, ask for their feedback, for example, any criteria or constraints that they would add, other design ideas or modifications, and so forth.
• Divide the class into groups of four. Ask each team to elect a group leader. Hand out the case study packets to each student. Provide each group leader with a discussion sheet.
• In their groups, have students work through the case study together.
• Alert students to the case study layout with its clearly labeled “stop” points, and direct them to just read section by section, not reading beyond those points.
• Suggest that students either taking turns reading each section aloud or read each section silently.
• Once all students in a group have read a section, the group leader refers to the discussion sheet and asks its questions of the group, facilitating a discussion that involves every student.
• Encourage students to annotate the case study as they like; for example, they might note in the margins Marisol’s stage in the design process at various points.
• As students work in their groups, walk around the classroom and encourage group discussion. Ensure that each group member contributes to the discussion and that group members are focused on the same section (no reading ahead).
• After all teams have finished the case study and its discussion questions, facilitate a class discussion about how Marisol used the engineering design cycle. This might include referring back to questions 4 and 5 in “Stop 5” to discuss remaining questions about the case study and relate the case study example back to the community problems students suggested in the pre-activity assessment.
• Administer the post-activity assessment.

brainstorming: A team creativity activity with the purpose to generate a large number of potential solutions to a design challenge.

constraint: A limitation or restriction. For engineers, design constraints are the requirements and limitations that the final design solutions must meet. Constraints are part of identifying and defining a problem, the first stage of the engineering design cycle.

criteria: For engineers, the specifications and requirements design solutions must meet. Criteria are part of identifying and defining a problem, the first stage of the engineering design cycle.

develop : In the engineering design cycle, to create different solutions to an engineering problem.

engineering: Creating new things for the benefit of humanity and our world. Designing and building products, structures, machines and systems that solve problems. The “E” in STEM.

engineering design process: A series of steps used by engineering teams to guide them as they develop new solutions, products or systems. The process is cyclical and iterative. Also called the engineering design cycle.

evaluate: To assess something (such as a design solution) and form an idea about its merit or value (such as whether it meets project criteria and constraints).

optimize: To make the solution better after testing. Part of the engineering design cycle.

Pre-Activity Assessment

Intro Discussion: To gauge how much students already know about the activity topic and start students thinking about potential design problems in their everyday lives, facilitate a brief class discussion by asking students the following questions:

• What do engineers do? (Example possible answers: Engineers design things that help people, they design/build/create new things, they work on computers, they solve problems, they create things that have never existed before, etc.)
• What are some problems in your home, school or community that could be solved through engineering? (Example possible answers: It is too dark in a community field/park at night, it is hard to carry shopping bags in grocery store carts, the dishwasher does not clean the dishes well, we spend too much time trying to find shoes—or other items—in the house/garage/classroom, etc.)
• How do engineers solve problems? (Example possible answers: They build new things, design new things, etc. If not mentioned, introduce students to the idea of the engineering design cycle. Liken this to how research scientists are guided by the steps of the scientific method.)

Activity Embedded Assessment

Small Group Discussions: As students work, observe their group discussions. Make sure the group leaders go through all the questions for each section, and that each group member contributes to the discussions.

Post-Activity Assessment

Marisol’s Design Process: Provide students with writing paper and have them write “Marisol’s Design Process” at the top. Direct them to clearly write out the steps that Marisol went through as they designed and completed their locker organizer design and label them according to where they fit in the engineering design cycle. For example, “Marisol had to jump back to avoid objects falling out of their locker” and they stated a desire to “wanted to find a way to organize their locker” both illustrate the “identifying the problem” step.

• Which part of the engineering design cycle is Marisol working on as they design an organizer?
• Why is it important to identify the criteria and constraints of a project before building and testing a prototype? (Example possible answers: So that the prototype will be the right size, so that you do not go over budget, so that it will solve the problem, etc.)
• Why do engineers improve and optimize their designs? (Example possible answers: To make it work better, to fix unexpected problems that come up during testing, etc.)

To make this a more hands-on activity, have students design and build their own locker organizers (or other solutions to real-life problems they identified) in tandem with the above-described activity, incorporating the following changes/additions to the process:

• Before the activity: Inform students that they will be undertaking an engineering design challenge. Without handing out the case study packet, introduce students to Marisol’s problem: a disorganized locker. Ask students to bring materials from home that they think could help solve this problem. Then, gather assorted materials (wood and fabric scraps, craft materials, tape, glue, etc.) to provide for this challenge, giving each material a cost (for example, wood pieces cost 50¢, fabric costs 25¢, etc.) and write these on the board or on paper to hand out to the class. 
• Present the Introduction/Motivation content and slides to introduce students to the engineering design process (as described above). Then have students go through the steps of the engineering design process to create a locker organizer for Marisol. Inform them Marisol has only $3 to spend on an organizer, so they must work within this budget constraint. As a size constraint, tell students the locker is 32 inches tall, 12 inches wide and 9.5 inches deep. (Alternatively, have students measure their own lockers and determine the size themselves.) 
• As students work, ask them some reflection questions such as, “Which step of the engineering design process are you working on?” and “Why have you chosen that solution?”
• Let groups present their organizers to the class and explain the logic behind their designs.
• Next, distribute the case study packet and discussion sheets to the student groups. As the teams read through the packet, encourage them to discuss the differences between their design solutions and Marisol’s. Mention that in engineering design there is no one right answer; rather, many possible solutions may exist. Multiple designs may be successful in imagining and fabricating a solution that meets the project criteria and constraints.

Engineering Design Process . 2014. TeachEngineering, Web. Accessed June 20, 2017. https://www.teachengineering.org/k12engineering/designprocess

Contributors

Supporting program, acknowledgements.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation CAREER award grant no. DRL 1552567 (Amy Wilson-Lopez) titled, Examining Factors that Foster Low-Income Latino Middle School Students' Engineering Design Thinking in Literacy-Infused Technology and Engineering Classrooms. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Last modified: October 26, 2023

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21 Engineering Design Process Activities To Engage Critical Thinkers

April 5, 2023 //  by  Mike Dave Ayeni

Early exposure to engineering and design can generate in kids a lifelong interest in STEM areas and develop their critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Yet, finding entertaining and age-appropriate activities that teach the engineering design process can be difficult. This article contains 21 engaging and interactive engineering design process exercises for educators to enjoy with their children. These activities are intended to help youngsters find a hands-on way to creatively provide design solutions to everyday problems.

1. The Process Explained

This is an excellent exercise for youngsters since it gives them a visual and interactive learning experience that may pique their interest in engineering and stimulate their creativity. This video details the steps in the design process as well as other engineering ideas that are observable in the world.

Learn More: Stem Smartly

2. Do the Marshmallow Challenge

Because it promotes cooperation, problem-solving, and creative thinking, the marshmallow challenge is an excellent engineering design process exercise. Their challenge is simply to build a skyscraper out of marshmallows and spaghetti. The tallest skyscraper wins.

Learn More: Pbs Learning Media

3. Enroll Kids in Engineering Camp

Enrolling children in an engineering camp is a great approach to introducing them to the subject. Students can be divided into engineering teams where they will learn about various engineering professions and the engineering design process and work on group projects while honing their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

4. Design and Build a Paper Airplane Launcher

This activity allows learners to investigate aerodynamics, mechanics, and physics fundamentals. Students may test their prototypes and experiment with different materials like PVC pipes, cardboard, rubber bands, and springs. Using various designs and launching strategies, they can determine which ones fly the furthest and quickest.

Learn More: Scientific American

5. Create a Homemade Lava Lamp Using Household Items

This engineering design activity teaches youngsters about liquid characteristics and density. Students can use a mixture of liquids like water, clear soda, or oils, alongside different colors and items to create beautiful lava lamps while learning about the science behind them.

Learn More: Engineering Emily

6. Build a Simple Machine Using Lego Bricks

Constructing a basic machine from Lego bricks is an excellent engineering design process exercise for encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Youngsters can use their imagination to design and build various machines such as pulleys, levers, or gear systems.

Learn More: Lego Engineering

7. Create a Marble Run Using Cardboard Tubes and Other Materials

Teachers can give their students this project as a class design challenge to promote creativity, problem-solving, and cooperation. Children can try out combinations of different slopes and obstacles to construct a unique marble run.

Learn More: Lets Talk Science

8. Popsicle stick Catapult

This activity encourages creativity. Using popsicle sticks, rubber bands, tapes, glue, and an object to launch, students can try out different designs and create a working catapult while learning about mechanics and physics fundamentals.

Learn More: Steam Powered Family

9. Build a Mini Solar-Powered Car Using a Small Motor and Solar Panel

This activity will teach kids about sustainable energy, mechanics, and physics fundamentals. Students can creatively combine materials like rubber wheels, PVC board, tape, wires, a DC motor, and metal rods to create a mini solar-powered automobile.

Learn More: Hone Science Tools

10. Create a Homemade Musical Instrument Using Recycled Materials

This activity will teach children about sound waves and acoustics. With materials like foldable cardboard, metal strips, and strings, kids can make unique and practical musical instruments while learning about the science behind them.

Learn More: There’s Just One Mommy

11. Build a Wind-Powered Car 

This fun activity exposes kids to renewable energy. Students can use simple materials like bottle covers, a flat wooden board, a foldable piece of cardboard, and tiny wooden sticks to make a practical wind-powered automobile while learning about wind energy.

12. Create a Water Filtration System Using a Plastic Bottle and Sand

Making a water filter system from a plastic bottle and sand is a great exercise for teaching youngsters about water filtration and purification concepts. Students may use a clear plastic bottle, sand, gravel, activated charcoal, tape, and cotton wool to make the simple filter system while learning about the need for clean water.

Learn More: National Geographic

13. Design and Build a Maze Using Cardboard and Other Materials

This maze project encourages problem-solving and critical thinking. Children may first draw a unique maze design on paper and then use cardboard to set up obstacles and challenges to form a functioning maze according to their design. 

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers

14. Build a Simple Electric Circuit Using a Battery and Wires

Children can learn about the fundamentals of electricity and electronics by creating a basic electric circuit using a battery and wires as part of an engaging engineering design process exercise. They can test different voltage and resistance levels while they’re at it.

15. Design and Build a Mini Greenhouse Using Recycled Materials

This exercise encourages sustainability, inventiveness, and problem-solving. Kids can use popsicle sticks to create a frame with the application of glue, and they can place a clear plastic cup on it as a cover after piercing ventilation holes through the cup. When this is completed, they can place a seedling in a mini pot inside and watch it grow.

Learn More: YouTube

16. Create a Balloon-Powered Car Using Straws and a Balloon

This is a fun and exciting exercise that teaches youngsters about mechanics and physics. After kids attach cardboard to some plastic wheels to form a wheelbase, a straw inserted partially into a balloon is tightly secured to the balloon with a rubber band and taped to the wheelbase. When kids blow air into the balloon the rush of air with cause a propelling of the wheelbase.

Learn More: Little Bins for Little Hands

17. Make a Snack Pulley System

The exercise of creating a snack pulley system educates children about the workings of pulleys and basic machines. To build a useful and creative snack pulley system, kids will combine twine, tape, plastic cups, and a cardboard box.

Learn More: Left Brain Craft Brain

18. Design and Build a Glider Using Balsa Wood and Tissue Paper

Kids can start their design process on paper; drawing up basic schematics of the glider they want to build. Based on their schematic drawings and the help of instructors, they can couple materials like balsa wood, styrofoam, cardboard, paper, and tape, to make unique gliders.

Learn More: New Horizon Academy

19. Create a Simple Motorized Boat Using a Small Motor and Propeller

In this activity, kids can use materials like a DC motor, waterproof sealants, a propeller, some wires, glue, scissors, styrofoam, and a soldering iron to create a motorized boat based on their designs. Tutors will need to be readily available to help handle complex tools.

Learn More: Science-Sparks

20. Build a Simple Hovercraft Using a Balloon and a CD

This activity teaches learners about air pressure and aerodynamics. With materials like a balloon, glue, and a compact disc, tutors can assist kids to design a simple Hovercraft while they learn about lift and push.

Learn More: Instructables

21. Design and Build a Simple Robot Hand Using Straws and a String

This design project encourages creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. kids can thread strings through straws and attach the straws to a cardboard base, after ensuring the strings are stapled inside the straw. Once completed, this simple robot hand will be able to close or open when the strings are pulled or released.

Category : en:Cities in Omsk Oblast

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