Introducing Engineering Design Using Impromptu Design Projects

In this paper, the use of impromptu design as a tool for introducing the engineering design process is discussed.In a typical impromptu design exercise, a simple design problem, capable of being completed in a short amount of time, is solved by teams of engineering students.In solving the design task, the students organically progress through the engineering design process.This provides a unique opportunity to introduce beginning engineering students to the design process and to reinforce engineering design concepts for more senior students.This paper focuses on the development of impromptu design projects, the use of this activity to introduce the engineering design process, and thoughts and observations gained over three years of using this exercise in freshman and sophomore engineering design classes.