An engineering design problem involves systematically deriving requirements. Developing robust requirements requires both a structured process for eliciting the requirements and a structure for organizing the requirements for future evaluations and tests of design concepts. Students will be given the problem of dirty shoes and derive requirements for this problem.

View Slides: 1.1.4. BID Ideation

• You are trying to design and make underground living quarters.

What could you look to in nature for inspiration?

• Come up with at least 4 organisms in nature that live underground.

Class Discussion on what students brainstormed

We are going to review requirements and the purpose of having requirements (to make sure our solution actually solves the problem). Yesterday, we reverse engineered a PRODUCT and derived the requirements that product was designed to fulfill. Today we will define requirements for our PROBLEM to make sure we design a solution that has the functions, performance, and specifications necessary to meet the user’s needs and solve the user’s problem.

View Slides: 1.1.4. Problem Requirements PPT

Identify Problem & Requirements

View Image: 1.1.2. Write a Problem Statement

• Share your initial 1.1.2. Problem Statements regarding dirty shoes with your group.

Choose a problem for your group to solve.

View Organizer: 1.1.4. Requirements Analysis - Problem Organizer.

View Image: 1.1.4. Requirements Image

Then with your group choose a problem and complete the 1.1.4. Requirements Analysis - Problem organizer by identifying the following:

• Problem Statement
• Operational Environment
• Existing Products or Solution
• Function + Performance Requirements
• Physical Constraints/Specifications

Because your group was not given any background information (like in the messy desk example), you will have to work as a team to think about the functions and performance requirements that are necessary to solve your user’s problem and “how well” you want the problem to be addressed.

(E.g., Does your user want a 100% removal of stains from white shoes? Do they want 90% removal? 30% removal? What is feasible? What does your user want?).

Now, your group will partner with another group to share requirements. Based on your peers' comments, you will revise your requirements.