If you’ve never encountered the phrase ‘design like a farmer,’ it refers to the idea of overdesigning something far beyond what’s necessary for its intended purpose. To clarify, this concept is similar to the ‘overdesigning’ often seen in engineering. When an engineer designs a part or component, they analyze its intended function and the conditions … Read more
Of the many skills a designer must maintain proficiency in, drafting efficiency is considered a highly valuable asset. This is crucial because when a designer becomes more efficient in drafting, they can dedicate more of their effort towards testing, iterating, and conceptualizing, rather than focusing on figuring out how their tools work. One of the … Read more
Engineering offers a wide range of fields for specialization, along with numerous areas of discovery that can spark new interests for those eager to dive into fresh challenges. As I’ve developed a newfound interest in mechanisms and motion structures, I dove straight into a textbook focused on the mathematics and schematics of the topic. However, … Read more
To become proficient in design, one must practice and incorporate various techniques into their workflow. While some of these techniques may be more apparent, others may be less obvious, even though they are frequently used. One of these regularly used but overlooked practices is geometry, which is defined as ‘the branch of mathematics concerned with … Read more
The technological advancements in recent decades have provided designers with an overwhelming array of benefits, transforming the way they approach their work. With more powerful computers and access to growing software, the thoughts and ideas of projects that used to be described through manual drafting has now transitioned to be represented largely on virtual platforms. … Read more
A misconception that is commonly passed around many design and engineering industries is the idea that for any given problem, there will only be one definitive solution. In actuality, in any given project, there are usually many different possible solutions, all differing from each other determined by varying factors such safety, cost, constructability, and usability, … Read more
As technology advances, designers gain access to a growing array of tools that offer more efficient methods for enhancing their workflows and completing projects. One such tool making a rise in usage is drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), providing many new possibilities among the industry. What once seemed like a niche too is now … Read more
Engineering design encompasses a vast array of disciplines and practices, making it a remarkably diverse career path. Various branches, such as electrical, mechanical, and process engineering, offer different titles and opportunities for collaboration. However, another layer of versatility and expertise emerges with the distinctions between industrial design and commercial design, further enhancing the richness of … Read more
Prior to the introduction of computers, professionals working in design industries had to spend extensive hours producing drawings and designs with hand and pencil. The speed and efficiency that was made possible by computer aided drafting brought substantial improvements to the entire design process, and is considered one of the largest game changers to the … Read more
When designing any component in structural and civil engineering, considerations in costs frequently arise as a major topic of discussion. Whether it is a discussion of construction, material costs, engineering time, or labor expenses, there will always be considerable effort dedicated to reducing the economical impact of a particular design. One approach to achieving this … Read more