A set of steps engineers follow to solve a problem is referred to as an engineering process. It is highly iterative and some parts of the process could be repeated several times within one project. The exact framing and articulation of the steps that get iterated will vary.
The first step is research. This includes locating data, identifying needs and understanding constraints. It is a critical part of the engineering design process since it helps engineers discover the most effective solution for a given problem.
Once researchers have enough data, they can begin brainstorming ideas for solutions to the issue. This can be done in a variety of ways and is the area where engineering imagination truly flourishes. This is the stage where possible solutions are evaluated and analyzed. This could include simulation studies, generating decision matrixes and even constructing prototypes to compare.
In this stage students select one of their most creative ideas and develop a plan to develop it. Then, they construct the prototype using the required materials and then test it against their own performance criteria. Students may need to test their prototype and revise it to ensure it functions as intended.
This is a great way to teach the importance of problem solving and iteration. It is common for http://emjay-eng.com engineers to come up with solutions, test them and then discover the next problem they must address. This process is repeated until the engineer has the solution that is satisfactory to their expectations.