{"id":56,"date":"2024-07-29T17:59:23","date_gmt":"2024-07-29T17:59:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/chapter\/module-ii-ideation-and-invention\/"},"modified":"2026-03-16T13:38:04","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T13:38:04","slug":"module-ii-ideation-and-invention","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/chapter\/module-ii-ideation-and-invention\/","title":{"raw":"Module II: Design","rendered":"Module II: Design"},"content":{"raw":"<div style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<div class=\"textbox\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><em>ABET Student Outcomes<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<em>ENGR Student Outcome 2: an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors<\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"text-align: initial; font-size: 1em;\">ET Student Outcome 2: an ability to design systems, components, or processes meeting specified needs for broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline<\/span><\/em>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n\n<strong>Engineering design<\/strong> is a process of devising a system, component, or process to meet desired needs and specifications within constraints. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.abet.org\/accreditation\/accreditation-criteria\/criteria-for-accrediting-engineering-programs-2024-2025\/\" rel=\"noopener\">ABET, 2024<\/a>) This module covers the engineering design process, from brainstorming to project planning and economics, including the business aspect to contextualize the project in the real world.\n\n<\/div>\n<h1 style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>II.1) Design Process<\/strong><\/h1>\n<div style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n\nThe engineering design process is an iterative cycle of design-build-test-repeat.\u00a0 It starts with identifying the problem, then brainstorming solutions and choosing the best one to implement.\u00a0 From that concept, develop a more detailed solution with mathematical calculations and 3D CAD,\u00a0then build the device, test it, and evaluate the results.\u00a0 Make adjustments as necessary to improve quality and reliability, repeating the design-build-test cycle until the project is ready to deliver. This video provides an overview of the engineering design process using the real life example of robotic end effector design.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=fedrgJusRB0\n\n<\/div>\n<h1 style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>II.2) Brainstorming<\/strong><\/h1>\n<h2>Information<\/h2>\n<div>Brainstorming is the first step in the engineering design process.\u00a0 The slide deck below explains the purpose and practice of brainstorming and design decision making in more detail.\n<a href=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/Brainstorming.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\">Brainstorming Slide Deck<\/a><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>For instructors, an editable slide deck is available here:\n<a href=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/Brainstorming-for-Teachers.pptx\" rel=\"noopener\">Brainstorming Slide Deck - Instructors<\/a><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>The PowerPoint covering Brainstorming Techniques, Benefits, and Best Practices can be accessed below:<\/div>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/Brainstorming-1.pptx\">Brainstorming<\/a>\u00a0- PowerPoint\n<h2>Activity<\/h2>\n<div>After brainstorming, compare the best ideas with a design decision matrix.\u00a0 The worksheet below can be downloaded and filled in for each project.<\/div>\n<div><a href=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/Brainstorming-Decision-Matrix-Worksheet.docx\" rel=\"noopener\">Brainstorming Decision Matrix Worksheet<\/a><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<h1>II.3) System Flow Diagrams<\/h1>\n<h2>Information<\/h2>\nSystem flow diagrams (SFDs), sometimes called process flow diagrams (PFDs) show the logical flow of a system process.\u00a0 This includes:\n<ul>\n \t<li>Movement of product through system<\/li>\n \t<li>Conditional decisions<\/li>\n \t<li>Communication\/messages<\/li>\n \t<li>Human-machine interaction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThe process for constructing a system flow diagram is:\n<ol>\n \t<li>List functions of subsystems\/components<\/li>\n \t<li>Connect in order with logic<\/li>\n \t<li>Indicate communication points<\/li>\n \t<li>Indicate human interaction points<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nOften, actions are shown in boxes, states are shown in bubbles, and conditional decisions are shown in diamonds.\u00a0 However, that is not a hard and fast standard, and many companies develop their own technique.\u00a0 There is no standard for the symbol that identifies points of data\/communication, or human interaction, as long as the style used is consistent and indicated in the map key.\n\nExamples of a simple system flow diagram, and two more complicated ones, are shown below:\n\n<img class=\"wp-image-42 \" style=\"color: #003180; font-family: 'Encode Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1em;\" src=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/07\/ProcessCoffeeMaker-300x118.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"399\" height=\"157\" data-darkreader-inline-color=\"\">\n\nExample 1: Coffee Maker\n<h3><\/h3>\n[caption id=\"attachment_44\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"799\"]<img class=\"wp-image-43\" src=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/PalletFlowchart-300x145.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"799\" height=\"386\"> Example 2: Automated Packaging System[\/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_44\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"801\"]<img class=\" wp-image-44\" src=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/ProcessWhiskeyMaking-300x116.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"801\" height=\"310\"> Example 3: Jack Daniel's Whiskey Making Process[\/caption]\n<h2>Activity<\/h2>\nNow make a system flow diagram for your project following the procedure above:\n<ol>\n \t<li>List functions of subsystems\/components<\/li>\n \t<li>Connect in order with logic<\/li>\n \t<li>Indicate communication points<\/li>\n \t<li>Indicate human interaction points<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h1><span class=\"TextRun SCXW198674212 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW198674212 BCX0\">II.4) Budget and Bill of Materials<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW198674212 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h1>\n<h2>Information<\/h2>\n<div style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n\nBudgets and bills of materials (BOM) are two ways of quantifying the cost and materials for a project, and most projects use both.\u00a0 Budgets are more general, while bills of materials are more specific.\n\n<span style=\"text-align: initial; font-size: 1em;\">Budget: a budget is a breakdown of the total cost of a project, including both parts (materials) and labor (time).\u00a0 At the beginning of a project, it includes categories with cost estimates for each.\u00a0 There could be one category for structural materials, one for sensors and electronics, one for labor, etc.\u00a0 As the project progresses, line items are entered in the budget for money actually spent.\u00a0 At the end of the project, estimated cost and actual cost are compared by category to guide future project estimates.\u00a0 An example project budget is shown below.<\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_45\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"446\"]<img class=\" wp-image-45\" src=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/Budget-Example-1-300x265.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"446\" height=\"394\"> Budget Example[\/caption]\n\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n\nBill of Materials (BOM): a bill of materials is the \u201cshopping list\u201d of parts required to construct a prototype.\u00a0 It is a table listing the part number, name, purpose, price, quantity, and supplier.\u00a0 Some BOMs include other information such as urls or PO numbers for item purchase.\u00a0 A BOM only includes the materials required for the current prototype design, and not materials that were previously purchased and then abandoned, leftovers, etc. Donated items that were used on the project, as well as custom 3D-printed or machined parts, must be included for a complete BOM.\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/BOM-Example-1.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\">BOM Example 1<\/a> Click to see PDF\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_46\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"739\"]<img class=\" wp-image-46\" src=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/BOM-Example-2-300x84.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"739\" height=\"207\"> BOM Example 2[\/caption]\n<h2>Activity<\/h2>\nFor the first activity, make a forecasted budget for your project.\u00a0 Consider different categories such as structural materials, electronics, actuators, sensors, etc. and estimate how much you will spend on these.\u00a0 You may need to do a little research on how much certain items cost.\u00a0 Download the worksheet below to help organize your budget.\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/Cost-Estimate-Worksheet.docx\" rel=\"noopener\">Cost Estimate Worksheet<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\nAs the project progresses and your design becomes more detailed, you will need to develop a bill of materials to list all the parts needed for your project.\u00a0 Your school may have a template for you to fill out when submitting a purchase order, or you can use the one below.\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/BOM-Template.xlsx\" rel=\"noopener\">BOM Template<\/a>\n<h1>II.5) Computer-Aided Design (CAD)<\/h1>\n<h2>Information<\/h2>\nComputer-Aided Design (CAD) is the use of software to create 3D models and 2D drawings of parts and assemblies for manufacturing.\u00a0 CAD is typically developed first in 3D as part models, and then those parts are combined into an assembly to show how the full system fits and moves together.\u00a0 Many CAD programs include capabilities for stress\/strain or fluids simulation.\u00a0 The benefit of building a system in CAD is that parts and designs can easily be changed or refined, and you can make sure the whole system fits together and moves as expected, before spending the money on parts and time on building something that might not work as expected.\u00a0 It is an essential preliminary design step that can prevent costly mistakes.\n\nSeveral different CAD programs exist and many are available to students at free or reduced cost.\u00a0 The most common ones are listed below, along with details on licensing, tutorials, and certifications.\n<ul>\n \t<li><strong>SolidWorks<\/strong> ($49\/year for students but might be free through your school)\n<ul>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.solidworks.com\/product\/students\" rel=\"noopener\">License<\/a><\/li>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/my.solidworks.com\/training\" rel=\"noopener\">Tutorials<\/a><\/li>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.solidworks.com\/solidworks-certification-program\" rel=\"noopener\">Certifications<\/a><\/li>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/II.6_Engineering-Design-CSWASampleExam.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\">SolidWorks CAD Design Associate Practice Exam<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n \t<li><strong>AutoCAD<\/strong> (free for students)\n<ul>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/support\/account\/education\/onboarding\/students-guide\" rel=\"noopener\">License<\/a><\/li>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/learn\" rel=\"noopener\">Tutorials<\/a><\/li>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/certification\/overview\" rel=\"noopener\">Certifications<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n \t<li><strong>Onshape<\/strong> (free for students)\n<ul>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.onshape.com\/en\/sign-up\" rel=\"noopener\">License<\/a><\/li>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/learn.onshape.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Tutorials<\/a><\/li>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/learn.onshape.com\/catalog?query=(topic%3A%22Certified%20Onshape%20Associate%22%20OR%20topic%3A%22Certified%20Onshape%20Professional%22\" rel=\"noopener\">Certifications<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nAfter creating 3D parts, the models can be inserted into 2D technical design drawings using planar views.\u00a0 Here, dimensions, hole callouts, and hidden lines can be noted, and the drawings used for manufacturing of custom parts (i.e. machining).\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xometry.com\/resources\/design-guides\/technical-drawing-best-practices\/\" rel=\"noopener\">This guide<\/a> by Joel Schadegg explains tips and best practices for creating a good technical design drawing.\n\nThe video <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=32CXeJVgiLA\" rel=\"noopener\">Engineering Design Drawings: How to Make Prints a Machinist Will Love<\/a>, by tarkka, explains the different types of engineering drawings, shows step-by-step how to make, choose, and place views and dimension common features, and provides ASME standards and example detail and assembly drawings of real parts.\n\n[embed]https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=32CXeJVgiLA[\/embed]\n<h2>Activity<\/h2>\nBuild a 3D CAD model of your system to check the fit of all parts and verify that the dimensions meet the design constraints of your project.\u00a0 Make files for custom parts, and download files of purchased components from the manufacturers' websites or other free sites like <a href=\"https:\/\/grabcad.com\/library\/software\/nx\" rel=\"noopener\">GrabCAD<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.3dcontentcentral.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\">3D Content Central<\/a>.\u00a0 Create 2D drawings of any custom parts so you have a detailed plan for fabrication.\n<h1>II.6) Ecosystem Mapping<\/h1>\n<h2>Information<\/h2>\n<div style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n\nA product\u2019s design, features, cost, and profitability are affected by many factors.\u00a0 Ecosystem mapping is a way to identify all the external entities (people and organizations) affecting a project and see how your product fits into society.\u00a0 It shows the flow of materials, money, influence, and sabotage.\u00a0 This video explains how to make an ecosystem map and uses an example of an orthotic hand device.\n\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=uUuzFzwD2wg\n\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<h2>Activity<\/h2>\nMake a map of your project\u2019s ecosystem.\u00a0 Include all people and organizations affecting the project, and link them with arrows showing the flow of materials, money, influence, and sabotage.\u00a0 Color-code the arrows or use different line types to distinguish between the different factors.\n\n<\/div>\n<h1>II.7) Market Analysis<\/h1>\n<h2>Information<\/h2>\n<div style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n\nHow much money can you make from your product? Is it profitable to enter the market? This shows how to analyze TAM, SAM, and SOM market sizes to determine possible revenue.\n\n<\/div>\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8gzALcjhH8Y\n<h2>Activity<\/h2>\nNow use the worksheet below to analyze the market for your own project.\u00a0 Determine the target candidates for your TAM, SAM, and SOM, and use the internet to search for statistics on their demographics as well as a reasonable price point for your project based on similar existing products. Remember to cite all your sources!\u00a0 Is your project predicted to be a profitable venture?\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/Market-Analysis-Worksheet.docx\" rel=\"noopener\">Market Analysis Worksheet<\/a>\n\n<\/div>","rendered":"<div style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<div class=\"textbox\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><em>ABET Student Outcomes<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>ENGR Student Outcome 2: an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"text-align: initial; font-size: 1em;\">ET Student Outcome 2: an ability to design systems, components, or processes meeting specified needs for broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<p><strong>Engineering design<\/strong> is a process of devising a system, component, or process to meet desired needs and specifications within constraints. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.abet.org\/accreditation\/accreditation-criteria\/criteria-for-accrediting-engineering-programs-2024-2025\/\" rel=\"noopener\">ABET, 2024<\/a>) This module covers the engineering design process, from brainstorming to project planning and economics, including the business aspect to contextualize the project in the real world.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h1 style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>II.1) Design Process<\/strong><\/h1>\n<div style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p>The engineering design process is an iterative cycle of design-build-test-repeat.\u00a0 It starts with identifying the problem, then brainstorming solutions and choosing the best one to implement.\u00a0 From that concept, develop a more detailed solution with mathematical calculations and 3D CAD,\u00a0then build the device, test it, and evaluate the results.\u00a0 Make adjustments as necessary to improve quality and reliability, repeating the design-build-test cycle until the project is ready to deliver. This video provides an overview of the engineering design process using the real life example of robotic end effector design.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"oembed-2\" title=\"Engineering Design Process - Design, Build, Test, Iterate\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/fedrgJusRB0?feature=oembed&#38;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h1 style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>II.2) Brainstorming<\/strong><\/h1>\n<h2>Information<\/h2>\n<div>Brainstorming is the first step in the engineering design process.\u00a0 The slide deck below explains the purpose and practice of brainstorming and design decision making in more detail.<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/Brainstorming.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\">Brainstorming Slide Deck<\/a><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>For instructors, an editable slide deck is available here:<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/Brainstorming-for-Teachers.pptx\" rel=\"noopener\">Brainstorming Slide Deck &#8211; Instructors<\/a><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>The PowerPoint covering Brainstorming Techniques, Benefits, and Best Practices can be accessed below:<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/Brainstorming-1.pptx\">Brainstorming<\/a>\u00a0&#8211; PowerPoint<\/p>\n<h2>Activity<\/h2>\n<div>After brainstorming, compare the best ideas with a design decision matrix.\u00a0 The worksheet below can be downloaded and filled in for each project.<\/div>\n<div><a href=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/Brainstorming-Decision-Matrix-Worksheet.docx\" rel=\"noopener\">Brainstorming Decision Matrix Worksheet<\/a><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<h1>II.3) System Flow Diagrams<\/h1>\n<h2>Information<\/h2>\n<p>System flow diagrams (SFDs), sometimes called process flow diagrams (PFDs) show the logical flow of a system process.\u00a0 This includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Movement of product through system<\/li>\n<li>Conditional decisions<\/li>\n<li>Communication\/messages<\/li>\n<li>Human-machine interaction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The process for constructing a system flow diagram is:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>List functions of subsystems\/components<\/li>\n<li>Connect in order with logic<\/li>\n<li>Indicate communication points<\/li>\n<li>Indicate human interaction points<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Often, actions are shown in boxes, states are shown in bubbles, and conditional decisions are shown in diamonds.\u00a0 However, that is not a hard and fast standard, and many companies develop their own technique.\u00a0 There is no standard for the symbol that identifies points of data\/communication, or human interaction, as long as the style used is consistent and indicated in the map key.<\/p>\n<p>Examples of a simple system flow diagram, and two more complicated ones, are shown below:<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-42\" style=\"color: #003180; font-family: 'Encode Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1em;\" src=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/07\/ProcessCoffeeMaker-300x118.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"399\" height=\"157\" data-darkreader-inline-color=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/07\/ProcessCoffeeMaker-300x118.jpg 300w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/07\/ProcessCoffeeMaker-768x303.jpg 768w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/07\/ProcessCoffeeMaker-65x26.jpg 65w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/07\/ProcessCoffeeMaker-225x89.jpg 225w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/07\/ProcessCoffeeMaker-350x138.jpg 350w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/07\/ProcessCoffeeMaker.jpg 902w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 399px) 100vw, 399px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Example 1: Coffee Maker<\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_44\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-44\" style=\"width: 799px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-43\" src=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/PalletFlowchart-300x145.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"799\" height=\"386\" srcset=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/PalletFlowchart-300x145.png 300w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/PalletFlowchart-1024x496.png 1024w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/PalletFlowchart-768x372.png 768w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/PalletFlowchart-1536x744.png 1536w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/PalletFlowchart-65x31.png 65w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/PalletFlowchart-225x109.png 225w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/PalletFlowchart-350x169.png 350w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/PalletFlowchart.png 1638w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-44\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Example 2: Automated Packaging System<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_44\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-44\" style=\"width: 801px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-44\" src=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/ProcessWhiskeyMaking-300x116.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"801\" height=\"310\" srcset=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/ProcessWhiskeyMaking-300x116.jpg 300w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/ProcessWhiskeyMaking-1024x395.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/ProcessWhiskeyMaking-768x296.jpg 768w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/ProcessWhiskeyMaking-65x25.jpg 65w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/ProcessWhiskeyMaking-225x87.jpg 225w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/ProcessWhiskeyMaking-350x135.jpg 350w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/ProcessWhiskeyMaking.jpg 1266w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 801px) 100vw, 801px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-44\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Example 3: Jack Daniel&#8217;s Whiskey Making Process<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Activity<\/h2>\n<p>Now make a system flow diagram for your project following the procedure above:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>List functions of subsystems\/components<\/li>\n<li>Connect in order with logic<\/li>\n<li>Indicate communication points<\/li>\n<li>Indicate human interaction points<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h1><span class=\"TextRun SCXW198674212 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW198674212 BCX0\">II.4) Budget and Bill of Materials<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW198674212 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h1>\n<h2>Information<\/h2>\n<div style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p>Budgets and bills of materials (BOM) are two ways of quantifying the cost and materials for a project, and most projects use both.\u00a0 Budgets are more general, while bills of materials are more specific.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-align: initial; font-size: 1em;\">Budget: a budget is a breakdown of the total cost of a project, including both parts (materials) and labor (time).\u00a0 At the beginning of a project, it includes categories with cost estimates for each.\u00a0 There could be one category for structural materials, one for sensors and electronics, one for labor, etc.\u00a0 As the project progresses, line items are entered in the budget for money actually spent.\u00a0 At the end of the project, estimated cost and actual cost are compared by category to guide future project estimates.\u00a0 An example project budget is shown below.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_45\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-45\" style=\"width: 446px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-45\" src=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/Budget-Example-1-300x265.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"446\" height=\"394\" srcset=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/Budget-Example-1-300x265.png 300w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/Budget-Example-1-65x57.png 65w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/Budget-Example-1-225x198.png 225w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/Budget-Example-1-350x309.png 350w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/Budget-Example-1.png 576w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 446px) 100vw, 446px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-45\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Budget Example<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p>Bill of Materials (BOM): a bill of materials is the \u201cshopping list\u201d of parts required to construct a prototype.\u00a0 It is a table listing the part number, name, purpose, price, quantity, and supplier.\u00a0 Some BOMs include other information such as urls or PO numbers for item purchase.\u00a0 A BOM only includes the materials required for the current prototype design, and not materials that were previously purchased and then abandoned, leftovers, etc. Donated items that were used on the project, as well as custom 3D-printed or machined parts, must be included for a complete BOM.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/BOM-Example-1.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\">BOM Example 1<\/a> Click to see PDF<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_46\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-46\" style=\"width: 739px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-46\" src=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/BOM-Example-2-300x84.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"739\" height=\"207\" srcset=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/BOM-Example-2-300x84.png 300w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/BOM-Example-2-65x18.png 65w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/BOM-Example-2-225x63.png 225w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/BOM-Example-2-350x98.png 350w, https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/BOM-Example-2.png 576w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 739px) 100vw, 739px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-46\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">BOM Example 2<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Activity<\/h2>\n<p>For the first activity, make a forecasted budget for your project.\u00a0 Consider different categories such as structural materials, electronics, actuators, sensors, etc. and estimate how much you will spend on these.\u00a0 You may need to do a little research on how much certain items cost.\u00a0 Download the worksheet below to help organize your budget.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/Cost-Estimate-Worksheet.docx\" rel=\"noopener\">Cost Estimate Worksheet<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>As the project progresses and your design becomes more detailed, you will need to develop a bill of materials to list all the parts needed for your project.\u00a0 Your school may have a template for you to fill out when submitting a purchase order, or you can use the one below.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/BOM-Template.xlsx\" rel=\"noopener\">BOM Template<\/a><\/p>\n<h1>II.5) Computer-Aided Design (CAD)<\/h1>\n<h2>Information<\/h2>\n<p>Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is the use of software to create 3D models and 2D drawings of parts and assemblies for manufacturing.\u00a0 CAD is typically developed first in 3D as part models, and then those parts are combined into an assembly to show how the full system fits and moves together.\u00a0 Many CAD programs include capabilities for stress\/strain or fluids simulation.\u00a0 The benefit of building a system in CAD is that parts and designs can easily be changed or refined, and you can make sure the whole system fits together and moves as expected, before spending the money on parts and time on building something that might not work as expected.\u00a0 It is an essential preliminary design step that can prevent costly mistakes.<\/p>\n<p>Several different CAD programs exist and many are available to students at free or reduced cost.\u00a0 The most common ones are listed below, along with details on licensing, tutorials, and certifications.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>SolidWorks<\/strong> ($49\/year for students but might be free through your school)\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.solidworks.com\/product\/students\" rel=\"noopener\">License<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/my.solidworks.com\/training\" rel=\"noopener\">Tutorials<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.solidworks.com\/solidworks-certification-program\" rel=\"noopener\">Certifications<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/II.6_Engineering-Design-CSWASampleExam.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\">SolidWorks CAD Design Associate Practice Exam<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>AutoCAD<\/strong> (free for students)\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/support\/account\/education\/onboarding\/students-guide\" rel=\"noopener\">License<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/learn\" rel=\"noopener\">Tutorials<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/certification\/overview\" rel=\"noopener\">Certifications<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Onshape<\/strong> (free for students)\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.onshape.com\/en\/sign-up\" rel=\"noopener\">License<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/learn.onshape.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Tutorials<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/learn.onshape.com\/catalog?query=(topic%3A%22Certified%20Onshape%20Associate%22%20OR%20topic%3A%22Certified%20Onshape%20Professional%22\" rel=\"noopener\">Certifications<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>After creating 3D parts, the models can be inserted into 2D technical design drawings using planar views.\u00a0 Here, dimensions, hole callouts, and hidden lines can be noted, and the drawings used for manufacturing of custom parts (i.e. machining).\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xometry.com\/resources\/design-guides\/technical-drawing-best-practices\/\" rel=\"noopener\">This guide<\/a> by Joel Schadegg explains tips and best practices for creating a good technical design drawing.<\/p>\n<p>The video <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=32CXeJVgiLA\" rel=\"noopener\">Engineering Design Drawings: How to Make Prints a Machinist Will Love<\/a>, by tarkka, explains the different types of engineering drawings, shows step-by-step how to make, choose, and place views and dimension common features, and provides ASME standards and example detail and assembly drawings of real parts.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"oembed-1\" title=\"Engineering Drawings: How to Make Prints a Machinist Will Love\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/32CXeJVgiLA?feature=oembed&#38;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>Activity<\/h2>\n<p>Build a 3D CAD model of your system to check the fit of all parts and verify that the dimensions meet the design constraints of your project.\u00a0 Make files for custom parts, and download files of purchased components from the manufacturers&#8217; websites or other free sites like <a href=\"https:\/\/grabcad.com\/library\/software\/nx\" rel=\"noopener\">GrabCAD<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.3dcontentcentral.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\">3D Content Central<\/a>.\u00a0 Create 2D drawings of any custom parts so you have a detailed plan for fabrication.<\/p>\n<h1>II.6) Ecosystem Mapping<\/h1>\n<h2>Information<\/h2>\n<div style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p>A product\u2019s design, features, cost, and profitability are affected by many factors.\u00a0 Ecosystem mapping is a way to identify all the external entities (people and organizations) affecting a project and see how your product fits into society.\u00a0 It shows the flow of materials, money, influence, and sabotage.\u00a0 This video explains how to make an ecosystem map and uses an example of an orthotic hand device.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"oembed-3\" title=\"Ecosystem Mapping\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uUuzFzwD2wg?feature=oembed&#38;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<h2>Activity<\/h2>\n<p>Make a map of your project\u2019s ecosystem.\u00a0 Include all people and organizations affecting the project, and link them with arrows showing the flow of materials, money, influence, and sabotage.\u00a0 Color-code the arrows or use different line types to distinguish between the different factors.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h1>II.7) Market Analysis<\/h1>\n<h2>Information<\/h2>\n<div style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p>How much money can you make from your product? Is it profitable to enter the market? This shows how to analyze TAM, SAM, and SOM market sizes to determine possible revenue.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"oembed-4\" title=\"Market Sizing\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8gzALcjhH8Y?feature=oembed&#38;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>Activity<\/h2>\n<p>Now use the worksheet below to analyze the market for your own project.\u00a0 Determine the target candidates for your TAM, SAM, and SOM, and use the internet to search for statistics on their demographics as well as a reasonable price point for your project based on similar existing products. Remember to cite all your sources!\u00a0 Is your project predicted to be a profitable venture?<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/Market-Analysis-Worksheet.docx\" rel=\"noopener\">Market Analysis Worksheet<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"menu_order":2,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"","pb_short_title":"Module II: Design","pb_subtitle":"Design: Ideation and Invention","pb_authors":["eledoux","nmatta"],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[61,62],"license":[],"class_list":["post-56","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry","contributor-eledoux","contributor-nmatta"],"part":23,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/56","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/56\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":57,"href":"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/56\/revisions\/57"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/23"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/56\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=56"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=56"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/libraryresources.nse.org.ng\/engineeringcapstone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=56"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}