Brainstorm, Diagram, or Prototype Solutions

There are several characteristics of an engineering notebook that can be included in this category. While rubric calls for listing three or more possible solutions to be considered in the expert category, from experience this may not always be possible or necessary especially when it comes to prototyping a solution. Breaking down the defined EDP criteria for this area the following can be considered.

Brainstorming

While there are various brainstorming mechanisms that a team can use such as mind mapping, SWOT, or 5 Whys analysis, most teams may leverage a Decision Matrix or Pro/Con list as popular solutions.

Decision Matrix

A decision matrix provides a way to evaluate various similar solutions against one another by assigning a point value to various characteristics that are important to the design consideration. By doing so it can help to narrow down or point out a best possible solution that can be implemented.

Pro/Con List

A pro/con list provides a way to look at positive and negative effects of potential design solutions that are being considered.

**One advantage to a Pro/Con list is that dissociated solutions can be evaluated against one another. For instance intake solutions that leverage different built techniques **

Leveraging these two solutions can lead directly into the next EDP criteria area around selecting the best solution.

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Diagram

Diagrams can be provided in various forms.

• Sketches/Drawings

• Photos/Pictures

• CAD

When leveraging diagrams it could be useful to pair them with the above brainstorming techniques. For example, leverage a diagram with a pro/con list to give a visual along with the positive/negative comparison.

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Prototype

Prototypes are initial build examples of designs being considered for final implementation that allow for early testing and proof of concept. These typically represent a solution the team thinks could accomplish a specific task but feel they need physical evaluation before moving forward.

A little advice here is to always remember the rule of three.