Evaluation of Systematic Design Methods Used in Senior Design Projects

Abstract

System Engineering (SE) is utilized in structuring a product development process into simple and collaborative activities, while at the same time, supporting engineers’ decision-making. In most undergraduate engineering design courses, SE was taught by assigning industrial-like projects in which teams of students developed products using certain design methods while following structured design process. It has been observed that some design methods were adopted naturally and used effectively by students while some are less preferred. This is due to various reasons, from strict project deadlines to the fact that some methods are difficult to understand. In this paper, we studied these design methods in the context of senior design projects. We have observed students’ applications of these methods and conducted surveys to assess whether they believe these methods helped their design activities. This study will help us understand how to help students gain knowledge in product development through project-based learning, as well as provide some insights on how inexperienced engineers may use various design methods.