Most importantly, he frequently used the one word that's become anathema within the engineering culture where adding features is thought to be a positive, as well as in the broader culture where collaboration necessitates acquiescence to groupthink. That word was "No."
Saying no is the most effective way of keeping an engineering project within its design constraints, of reining in the cost of bills of materials, and of generally keeping schedules on track. Subjectively, I believe it also enforces an elegance of design that began to flourish in the arts with Bauhaus and Deco. These in turn led to streamlining, which reached its apex in the era of locomotives. They also begat Harley Earl, the legendary General Motors designer of the mid-twentieth century.
Collectively, those influences are reflected in the iPhone and iPad. They're also fusing into the miniaturized designs we're working on today. I believe miniaturization itself compels enticing packaging.
Petroski writes that engineers exploit scientific principles and discoveries. That's true, but I think the best definition of good engineering can't be captured by a dictionary. Rather, you just know it when you see it.
Good article. I enjoyed reading it and was reminded of what our Professor told us in our second year of college (electrical engineering faculty):
An artist creates
A scientist discovers
A mechanic repairs
An engineer designs
When somebody says that he/she engineered a system, what he means is that the person designed a system keeping in mind function, efficiency, reliablility and cost. Design is at the heart of engineering.
This is an excellent article which reminds me of dean kamen who said you have teenagers thinking they're going to make millions as nba stars when that's not realistic for even 1percent of them. Becoming a scientist or engineer is
Your point raises a question, Alex. Why is virtually every doctor licensed, but not every engineer? Most of us wouldn't consider going to an unlicensed physician, but many great engineers never have a need for a PE. The engineer's situation is similar to that of the accountant: Many accountants haven't passed the CPA, but still serve as corporate accountants.
I don't think the PE is necessarily the solution or what I'm talking about here. I think anyone who's passed through an accredited college engineering program should be able to call themselves an engineer. What gets under my skin is people who tinker and think that allows them to use the title, EVEN IF THEY DESIGN REAL STUFF. The fact of the matter is that the PC and the Internet erased the line between professional and amateur. Any idiot who's messed around with a PC thinks they know technology, and they don't.
Our LinkedIn systems and product design engineering group discusses if they are happy with their decision of remaining a technical contributor instead of becoming a manager.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
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A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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