Write a memo to management
Deliverable 1: Design Project Proposal (Individual Project)
Goals:
• Develop a proposal for a design project that is in line with the class theme.
• Consider how your proposed project would fit within the arch of an engineering design project.
Assignment:
For this assignment you are to develop and propose a design project concept to be used in this class. In general, successful projects have the following characteristics:
• A good place to start is to take an action you carry out in your life that could be better.
• Be realistic and topical to your training. The end product is a material good, not a service. The project should have a strong mechanical component though it is possible to include other disciplines (electrical, computer engineering) if there is enough warning and support from advisers/sponsors. Finally, the final product should contain few parts (less than 20).
• There should be a demonstrable market for the product. The product does not need to have great economic potential but should at least be an attractive opportunity for an established firm with related products and/or skills.
• It should be easy to find information on needs/uses related to the project. The students should have access to more than five potential customers or stakeholders. Successful projects also tend to have a team member who has a strong interest in the target market.
• You must be able to draw it and build it.
• The product should not require any technological breakthroughs. If a new technology is developed, the project should result in creating a proof-of-concept.
• The purpose of this project is to learn the design process. If you have an idea which you plan to commercialize, or which is confidential you should save it for another context. Teams will be openly presenting on their work and discussing the projects in class.
Tasks:
Prepare a memo to management (the instructor) proposing a new design project. Include the following information:
1. The name and nature of the “problem” to be addressed. Remember, this is a problem and not a product. It can be helpful to describe an action that has the potential to be improved. Do not describe how you will improve it.
2. Who are the target customers of the eventual product? (doesn’t have to be a large audience, be specific).
3. What are your audience’s needs? Go into detail, this is the most important part of the design process.
4. Are there any similar problems that have current solutions? If so, describe one and make sure to describe how it differs from your defined problem.
Project does not have any attached files
