Engineering Practices

Engineers must consider the users and relevant conditions when designing solutions. 

Engineers use a structured, iterative process—an engineering design process—to solve problems.

Engineers may investigate how the attributes, cost, and aesthetics of a material affect its performance and possible uses.

Engineers must meet the designated criteria for success and client preferences while staying within specified constraints.

Engineers understand and apply science concepts as they make design decisions.

Engineers use mathematics to analyze data and explore and express relationships among variables.

Engineers use computational thinking to analyze problems, select appropriate tools, and develop or adapt algorithms as they work through the engineering design process.

Engineers brainstorm, construct, and assess multiple solutions to a problem.

Engineers consider how parts interact within larger systems.

Engineers collect and analyze data to inform their decision making throughout the engineering process.

Engineers understand that failure plays a prominent role in engineering, providing opportunities for learning and improving designs.

Engineers have a responsibility to evaluate their solutions from multiple perspectives.

Most engineers work in teams. Collaborating, communicating, critiquing, and negotiating with people who bring diverse expertise and experiences strengthen engineering thinking and solutions.

Engineers communicate ideas to their teammates, other engineers, their clients, and the public.

Through engagement in authentic engineering practices, engineers develop identities as creative problem solvers.