Introduction to Engineering Design from Coursera

In today's fast-paced technological environment, understanding the fundamentals of engineering design is crucial for aspiring engineers and professionals alike. This comprehensive course serves as a primer, introducing participants to key concepts and methodologies essential for designing innovative solutions to complex problems. It provides an overview of the engineering design process, emphasizing the integration of creativity and functionality in problem-solving.

Key skills covered in this course include creative problem-solving techniques specific to design engineering, utilization of computer-aided design (CAD) and simulation tools, project management strategies, and critical analysis for refining design concepts.

Participants should have a general interest in engineering and design, along with a basic understanding of mathematics and science to fully engage with the course materials and exercises.

The course spans 4.0 hours and caters to participants ranging from beginner to intermediate levels. It is suitable for engineering students, aspiring designers, technical project managers, product developers, and professionals with an interest in engineering and product design.

By the end of this course, participants will have gained a solid understanding of the foundational principles of engineering design and its pivotal role in problem-solving and innovation. Practical skills will be developed through hands-on exercises covering the entire design process, from conceptualization and analysis to prototyping and evaluation. Additionally, participants will learn to leverage modern engineering tools and software to enhance both the creative and technical aspects of their projects.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Foundations of Engineering Design

Module 1 focuses on laying the foundations of engineering design, covering principles, practical applications, and key elements of the design process.

Navigating the Design Process 

Module 2 focuses on navigating the design process, covering detailed exploration of design process steps, brainstorming and creative problem-solving techniques, and introduction to design constraints and considerations.

Mastering Design Tools and Techniques

Module 3 focuses on mastering design tools and techniques, covering CAD software, prototyping and simulation basics, and materials selection in design.

Applying Engineering Design and Embracing Future Trends

Module 4 focuses on applying engineering design principles and embracing future trends, covering case studies across various industries, emerging technologies, and a conclusion on key learnings.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines engineering design's principles, applications, and processes

Develops methods for creative problem-solving, design constraints, and strategies

Utilizes CAD software, prototyping, simulation, and materials selection

Embraces emerging technologies and shares industry case studies

Cultivates practical skills through hands-on prototyping and evaluation

Might require students to have basic science and mathematics knowledge

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Engineering Design with these activities:

Review Calculus and Linear Algebra Concepts

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Ensure you have a strong foundation in mathematical concepts essential for engineering design.

Browse courses on Engineering Design

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Review textbooks or online resources on calculus and linear algebra.
Solve practice problems and review exercises.

Read Engineering Design: A Systematic Approach, 2nd Edition

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Provide a solid theoretical foundation for understanding the principles and methodologies of engineering design.

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Read Chapter 1-3 to gain an overview of the engineering design process.
Summarize the key concepts and principles discussed in each chapter.
Reflect on how these concepts apply to your own experiences with engineering design.

Organize and Review Course Materials

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Help you stay organized and engaged with the course materials.

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Review and summarize course notes and readings.
Organize your materials into a digital or physical filing system.

Five other activities

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Solve Design Engineering Practice Problems

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Strengthen your problem-solving skills and apply engineering design principles in a practical setting.

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Identify a collection of design engineering practice problems.
Solve the problems using the design process and appropriate engineering tools.
Check your solutions against provided answers or consult with peers or instructors for feedback.

Participate in Peer Review and Design Discussions

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Foster collaboration and enhance your design thinking skills by engaging in discussions and providing feedback on peers' work.

Browse courses on Engineering Design

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Join a study group or online forum for engineering design students.
Share your design ideas and prototypes with peers.
Provide constructive criticism and feedback on others' work.

Design and Prototype a Smart Home Device

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Provide hands-on experience in applying design engineering principles to a real-world project.

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Define the problem and user requirements for the smart home device.
Brainstorm and sketch out potential design solutions.
Develop a prototype using CAD software and simulation tools.
Test and evaluate the prototype's functionality and user experience.
Refine and iterate the design based on feedback and testing results.

Attend Design Thinking or Engineering Design Workshops

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Expose you to new perspectives and cutting-edge design methodologies.

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Identify and register for relevant workshops.
Participate actively in the workshop activities.

Create a Design Portfolio Showcasing Your Skills

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Help you develop a professional portfolio that showcases your engineering design skills and capabilities.

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Gather examples of your best design projects and assignments.
Create a website or online portfolio to display your work.
Describe the design process and rationale behind each project.
Get feedback on your portfolio from peers or industry professionals.
Update and refine your portfolio regularly to reflect your growing skills and experience.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Engineering Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Design Engineer

A Design Engineer applies engineering principles to develop solutions for real-world problems. This role combines creativity with technical expertise, which is a core focus of the Introduction to Engineering Design course. The course delves into problem-solving techniques specific to design engineering, providing Design Engineers with a strong foundation for developing innovative solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Design Engineer

Product Designer

A Product Designer focuses on creating and developing products that meet user needs and market demands. Through hands-on exercises in the Introduction to Engineering Design course, participants can develop skills in project management, critical analysis, and the utilization of computer-aided design (CAD) tools. These are essential skills for Product Designers to effectively manage the design and development of products.

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Technical Project Manager

A Technical Project Manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of engineering and technology projects. The Introduction to Engineering Design course provides a foundation that is valuable for aspiring Technical Project Managers. It covers project management strategies, design process navigation, and the application of engineering principles, preparing learners to effectively manage technical projects.

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Mechanical Engineer

A Mechanical Engineer designs, develops, and analyzes mechanical and thermal systems. The Introduction to Engineering Design course would be helpful for those interested in pursuing a career in Mechanical Engineering. It lays the groundwork for understanding design principles, introduces CAD software and simulation basics, and provides insights into the application of design in various industries.

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Systems Engineer

A Systems Engineer designs, develops, and integrates complex systems. The Introduction to Engineering Design course can serve as a starting point for those aspiring to become Systems Engineers. It provides an understanding of the engineering design process, the use of design tools and techniques, and the application of design principles to solve complex problems.

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Industrial Engineer

An Industrial Engineer designs, improves, and installs integrated systems for managing industrial production and operations. The Introduction to Engineering Design course can be useful for Industrial Engineers as it covers topics such as creative problem-solving techniques, design optimization, and project management. These skills are applicable to the design and implementation of efficient industrial systems.

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Manufacturing Engineer

A Manufacturing Engineer designs, develops, and implements manufacturing processes. The Introduction to Engineering Design course may be beneficial for those pursuing a career in Manufacturing Engineering. It provides an overview of the design process, introduces CAD software, and discusses materials selection, which are relevant to the design and optimization of manufacturing processes.

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Aerospace Engineer

An Aerospace Engineer designs, develops, and tests aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. The Introduction to Engineering Design course can provide a foundation for those interested in Aerospace Engineering. It covers key design principles, creative problem-solving techniques, and the use of simulation tools, which are fundamental to the design and development of aerospace systems.

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Automotive Engineer

An Automotive Engineer designs, develops, and tests vehicles and their components. The Introduction to Engineering Design course is relevant to Automotive Engineering, as it offers an overview of the design process, introduces CAD software, and discusses materials selection. These aspects are important for the design and development of vehicles and their components.

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Biomedical Engineer

A Biomedical Engineer designs, develops, and evaluates medical devices and systems. While not directly related to the field, the Introduction to Engineering Design course may be useful for Biomedical Engineers. It provides a foundation in design principles, creative problem-solving techniques, and the use of design tools, which can be applied to the design and development of biomedical devices and systems.

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Chemical Engineer

A Chemical Engineer designs, develops, and operates chemical plants and processes. The Introduction to Engineering Design course may provide some useful insights for Chemical Engineers. It covers topics such as creative problem-solving techniques, design optimization, and project management, which can be applied to the design and optimization of chemical plants and processes.

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Civil Engineer

A Civil Engineer designs, constructs, and maintains civil infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings. The Introduction to Engineering Design course may be somewhat helpful for Civil Engineers, as it covers topics such as design principles, creative problem-solving techniques, and project management. These aspects are relevant to the design and construction of civil infrastructure.

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Electrical Engineer

An Electrical Engineer designs, develops, and tests electrical systems and components. While not directly related to the field, the Introduction to Engineering Design course may provide some useful insights for Electrical Engineers. It covers topics such as creative problem-solving techniques, design optimization, and project management, which can be applied to the design and development of electrical systems and components.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software systems. The Introduction to Engineering Design course is not directly related to Software Engineering. However, it may provide some useful concepts and insights, such as creative problem-solving techniques and project management. These aspects can be applied to the design and development of software systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Computer Engineer

A Computer Engineer designs, develops, and tests computer systems and components. The Introduction to Engineering Design course is not directly related to Computer Engineering. However, it may provide some useful concepts and insights, such as creative problem-solving techniques and project management. These aspects can be applied to the design and development of computer systems and components.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Engineer