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Step 2: Understand the Problem and Context

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Introduction to Engineering Design

Abstract

Understanding the problem and context is the second step of the EDP (Figure 2.1). Having in-depth knowledge about the entire problem space allows teams to make research-based, justifiable decisions. This step involves producing a need-to-know list for a specific project and conducting a comprehensive literature review. For example, if an engineer was attempting to develop a giraffe feeder, they would need to know what a giraffe eats, how much a giraffe eats, and the method by which a giraffe eats. By recording this need-to-know list, the engineer can then turn to literature from zoologists who have studied giraffes to answer these questions.

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Saterbak, A., Wettergreen, M. (2021). Step 2: Understand the Problem and Context. In: Introduction to Engineering Design. Synthesis Lectures on Engineering, Science, and Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-02093-3_3

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