Design Process
The Process of Design
- Stage 1 - Identify Clinical Problem
- Stage 2 - Project Proposal
- Stage 3 - Conceptual Design
- Stage 4 - Preliminary Design
- Stage 5 - Mock-Up
- Stage 6 - Preliminary Prototype
- Stage 7 - Walk-Through
- Stage 8 - Final Prototype
- Stage 9 - Testing
Stage 1 - Identify Clinical Problem
Teams are to identify a clinical problem through literature search, observerships, and consultations with physicians. Teams are not expected to brainstorm solutions but are expected to fully analyze and segment the clinical problem as it pertains to an engineering solution.
At this stage, teams are to have finalized their choice of clinical problem and will now define and describe the problem. Teams are expected to describe the project background, identify current state-of the-art, and define their own mission, goals, and outline a plan of action (including but not limited to timelines, budget estimates, division of labor, deliverables). The goals and constrains must be quantifiable engineering goals that will demonstrate a complete and thorough understanding of the problem.
The primary purpose at this stage is to refine the problem definition and to discuss various conceptual approaches that might lead to solutions of the stated problem. Detailed evaluation of the merits of each approach is not expected at this stage; teams are merely expected to have brainstormed on multiple paths to tackle the stated problem. The end points at this stage are: good problem definition, understanding of prior art and technology, and multiple ideas for solutions and their rationale.
After reviewing the clinical and engineering problems, and conceptual designs, teams should hone in on a detailed description of a single design. This includes: methodology and rationale for design choice, detailed description of design-including analysis, preliminary calculations and dimensioned drawings (hand-or-CAD drawn). A detailed plan for the next phase of design process is expected, as well as a testing protocol and budget
In order to facilitate an evaluation of the preliminary designs previously proposed, teams are expected to build mock-ups/models that illustrate some of the engineering and construction issues that the proposed design will involve. It is intended to be a precursor to a full working prototype that will be developed next semester - and not fully working prototype.
Stage 6 - Preliminary Prototype
After developing mock-up models of their prototype, teams are expected to provide a detailed discussion of their final proposed design, including changes to the design as a result of the mock-up and failure analysis. A working preliminary prototype is also expected, along with a plan for construction of the final prototype.
The project walk-through is to demonstrate that a prototype is complete and functional. It is a checkpoint to determine the status of teams, and facilitate progress towards a final prototype.
At this stage, teams are to evaluate the design of the final prototype against their own set engineering goals and design specifications. At this point the teams will no longer seek to change their design, but will develop a testing plan to characterize and evaluate their device in vitro and in vivo (where possible).
The final stage is to critically review both the design process and final prototype. Teams are to be judged on the merits of their device, as well as to how accurately the final design meets their defined engineering goals and constraints. Teams are also expected to provide detailed testing results that characterize and validate their engineering design in either an in vitro or in vivo setting.