The Problem Solving Process*
The problem solving process
generally includes the following four connected phases/stages: Designing, building, testing, and analyzing
& refining.
· Designing
involves the understanding of what is to be created and for what purpose. This
phase involves a study of the specifications, objectives, and constraints
(e.g., time, budget, material, safety, etc.) of the design. Brainstorming
techniques are often employed to generate a variety of economical solutions to
the problem. Sketches or rough drawings are often used to help communicate
solutions to others. When working in a group it is important that all ideas
should be considered to have serious potential to solve the problem. Upon
closer scrutiny one or more solutions will usually rise to the top of the pile
as having the greatest potential for success. When this point has been reached,
it is time to move on to the building phase.
·
Building involves the process of producing a solution to the problem based
upon the design(s) selected for development. Prototypes are often produced
without the strict attention to details that would be present in the final
solution. First-generation prototypes rarely solve the problem with total
success. They often need to be modified or refined many times and some times
even discarded in favor to other designs. Once a promising prototype has been
generated, it is time to move on to the testing phase.
· The testing phase is where the rubber meets the road. The
important question here is whether the prototype will perform up to
expectations. It is important to review the solution in relation to all
measurable criteria provided in the problem specifications.
· Analyzing & refining provides an opportunity to review the findings that
were generated during the testing phase. More often than not, an initial
solution does not perform exactly as planned. This is where analysis is
critical and some refinement is necessary. The analysis and refinement stage
may be the most time consuming of all stages. If a major problem persists, then
a return to earlier stages of the problem solving process may be necessary.
(Click
on this link for a brief slide presentation
on Engineering Design).
* Based on “Design Challenges for Computer-Controlled Lego Products”, Len Litowitz (LEGO Dacta/Pitsco, Pittsburg, 1998).