Systems Engineering Process
Systems Engineering Process
While there is no "one way" to design, the Systems Engineering Process is the structure provided by VCAA for us to follow. The process we are following is an amalgamation of VCAA's Systems Engineering Process and the Design Council UK's Double Diamond design process.
The three key phases of the process are:
- Investigating and defining
- Generating and designing
- Producing and implementing
All three of these are supported by the processes of:
- Evaluating
- Planning and Managing
One thing to make note, is that generally throughout school, evaluation has occured at the end of a project. We are going to be implementing evaluation into everything.
The Double Diamond Process
The traditional double diamond is broken into four stages: discover, define, develop, deliver. We aren't going to use those exact terms in the Systems Engineering process, but it helps to understand the graphic that is being used to underpin the structure that we are working with.
Each diamond implements divergent and convergent thinking.
Divergent Thinking
Divergent thinking is creative thinking. It is imagining what would be possible outside of your current constraints. It is exploring ideas far and wide and trying to think outside of any notions you have already conceived about your project.
As a class, you will plan out a toy that the user can move.
To start, consider if it is for land, sea, or air.
Following that, consider:
all the possible ways it moves.
all the potential energy sources.
how it is controlled.
who the user might be - consider disabilities, interests, gender
What else can you consider?
Complete a potential sketch for the toy you came up with.
Convergent Thinking
Convergent thinking is critical thinking. It is coming back to reality and applying the constraints of your budget, time, safety, ethics, and access to materials. It is funneling and filtering your creative ideas to settle on the most suitable solution to meet the needs of the problem that is achievable within your time frame.
Share all of the ideas from the divergent thinking activity.
Apply the following constraints and filters
Needs a working prototype within a week
Needs to be usable by 10-year-olds
Needs to be make using only 3D printing or laser cutting.
Eliminate designs until you are left with one.
Write a single statement justifying why you chose that design.
I chose ____ because ____ therefore ____
Compare your idea to a peer. If your choices are different, challenge their ideas by asking them to reflect on the biggest risks associated with their design, or challenge them on the constraints.
Implementing the Systems Engineering Process
Within the different areas of the diamond, there are a range of tasks that you will need to provide evidence to show that you have completed that task. Think of it like a quest checklist.
When creating a system, you will continuously refer back to the systems engineering process.
The entire process is iterative, meaning you can make your way back through previous sections. For example, you will need to trial and test subsystems and components. This may involve commencing the creation of a prototype of the system, evaluating based on testing criteria, and then returning to planning and a more appropriate selection of components or materials if they are determined to not be effective.
Diamond 1 - Discovering and Defining
Investigating and defining
- Identify, or define, and document a problem (need, opportunity or situation).
- Develop a design brief.
- Conduct research, including investigation of factors influencing both the creation and use of the system.
- Develop design ideas.
- Construct criteria to evaluate systems and use of the systems engineering process, using constraints, considerations and parameters of the system.
Evaluating
- Evaluate ideas developed.
Planning and managing
- Undertaking and documenting research and idea development
Diamond 2 - Developing and Delivering
Generating and designing
- Design and model systems.
- Develop drawings including flow diagrams (using digital tools or handdrawn).
- Conduct trials and testings and simulations and/or modelling (such as calculations) to assess feasibility and identify alternatives.
- Select manual and digital tools, and materials.
- Select appropriate electrotechnological and mechanical subsystems and components that will form operational systems and subsystems.
- Conduct diagnostic testing to ensure correct function of the system.
- Select and justify the most suitable systems option (proposed design from the feasible proposals (design options).
Producing and implementing
- Undertake production work to fabricate, integrate, produce and implement the system.
- Test and troubleshoot components, subsystems and systems.
- Implement the work plan using a range of production processes.
- Implement and document risk assessment and management processes to use materials and tools compliant with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements throughout all stages of the production and use of the system.
- Make adjustments and/or repairs and modifications to systems.
Evaluating
- Evaluate design options
- Evaluate implementation of work plan.
- Analyse and evaluate performance using diagnostic testing.
- Evaluate and report on the systems produced and processes used throughout the process:
- record and reflect on decisions made and modifications
- draw conclusions
- make recommendations for improvement.
Planning and managing
- Describe, document and manage production work and goals of production
- Develop the work plan to produce and implement the system:
- timeline and sequence of steps
- electronic and mechanical components required
- list materials and tools required