ESSENTIAL QUESTION 

How would an engineer benefit from developing a design brief for each specific project that includes goals, timeline, and budget?

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OVERVIEW 

In order to be successful, setting goals and developing a plan to achieve those goals is an absolute must, especially when managing a large project. In engineering, this type of plan is often referred to as a design brief. Although design briefs can be written in various ways, the overall function is the same, to guide decisions and workflow from start to finish. Many times, engineers will create the design brief in collaboration with the client requesting the product to ensure the needs of all parties are met to satisfaction. A general structure for the design brief includes six core sections:

Company Profile – Outlines the details on your client’s business, including name, industry, mission, stakeholders and competitors. This section will ensure all team members are familiar with your client and their specific brand.

Project Overview – Answers the questions “What are you doing?” and “Why are you doing it?” This section should be detailed and provide a significant amount of context and background.

Goals and Objectives – Goals should follow the SMART principle (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely). This section should clearly define the expectations set forth by your client. The information provided here will be the tool used to determine the success or failure of the project.

Target Audience – Provides details regarding the client’s ideal customer. Psychographics such as consumer habits, should be included in addition to basic demographics such as age and gender. These details will be invaluable when making decisions concerning the design.

Design Requirements – Ensures the needs of the client are met. Requirements could include material type, specific dimensions, usability, file format and even color palette. Knowing exactly what is required before beginning is imperative to success. 

Budget and Schedule – Every client has a budget that must be dispersed throughout the total process, from research and design to testing and review. The schedule should include more than just a deadline. Milestones are a great way to ensure progress is on track. Developing a realistic budget and timeline will assist in minimizing unexpected roadblocks.

Do not be afraid to use your own experiences with setting goals and developing plans as an example. For example, weight loss is a common focus of goal setting. What other goals and plans have you developed for yourself? Were you successful? Explain why or why not? Students learn best through examples relatable to their own personal lives. Encourage students to share their personal goal setting and planning experiences, as well.

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OBJECTIVES 

Upon completion of this lesson, students will develop the skills through which they may:

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• Understand the importance of goal setting and strategic planning.

• Gain motivation to set goals and strategically plan for their future.

• Create a formal, narrative proposal for an engineering design brief.

• Understand the importance of and maintain an engineering design notebook.

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Click HERE to see the full lesson plan with activities. 

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