2 Problem Definition and Engineering Problem Solving Free Online FlashCards

What should come before selecting an engineering solution?

Begin by defining the need and desired outcome, rather than choosing a device or design.

What does context clarify in a problem definition?

Context states where, when, and under what conditions the problem occurs.

Who counts as a stakeholder?

A stakeholder is a person or group affected by a project, interested in its outcome, or able to influence it.

How do criteria differ from constraints?

Criteria describe what success must accomplish or how well a solution must perform; constraints limit the acceptable design space.

What should stakeholders check in a problem framing?

Review the framing with stakeholders to confirm it describes a real need, includes relevant users and context, avoids prescribing a solution, and uses evaluable criteria.

What is a need in engineering problem definition?

A need is a gap between the current situation and a desired outcome.

Why should a need statement avoid prescribing a solution?

A solution-neutral need describes the desired outcome without prescribing a particular design, leaving room to compare alternatives.

What do scope and boundaries establish?

Scope and boundaries specify which systems, users, locations, and life-cycle stages are included or excluded.

What role does evidence play in defining a problem?

Evidence consists of observations or data showing that the problem exists and helping describe its scale.

How can customers differ from users?

Customers may set priorities as buyers, while users experience the system’s day-to-day effects; they are not always the same people.

How should engineers learn stakeholders’ expectations?

Ask stakeholder groups about their needs and priorities; do not assume those expectations are identical.

What makes an engineering success criterion useful?

A strong criterion is clear and, where possible, measurable and verifiable. For example, a target could be a median lunch wait of no more than four minutes.