Project 10.

1 Design Challenge
Introduction
Design challenges provide opportunities to apply skills and knowledge in unique and
creative ways. Designers are often asked to come up with solutions to problems that
exist. Their supervisor or board of directors may give them a few constraints to
adhere to and then ask the designers to solve the problem.
Designers are sometimes put together to form a team and asked to collaborate to
create the solution. When you are a one-person design team, the task of effective
communication is rather simple. However, what happens when you must
communicate your ideas to others, or when the responsibility of a teams solution
falls on the shoulders of the entire team? This increases the level of responsibility
significantly and requires the development of effective team working skills.
This project will provide you with the opportunity to work together in teams of two.
The team will need to come up with a solution to a stated problem. The design
process introduced and used in Unit 1 will be applied to this project.

Equipment

Engineering notebook
Isometric grid paper
Computer with 3D CAD solid modeling software
Decision matrix

Procedure
1. Divide into teams under the direction of your teacher.
2. Read the five design briefs below.
3. Decide within the team on a design brief that you will complete.
4. Use the design process to generate solutions to the problem.
5. Use isometric grid paper to sketch ideas and at least three possible solutions.
6. Create three possible solutions. Determine the final solution using a decision
matrix.
7. Create a CAD model and complete set of working drawings using specifications
given by your teacher.
8. As a team create a three-fold brochure marketing the solution to the design
problem.

2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Introduction to Engineering Design Project 10.1 Design Challenge Page 1

Button Maker Design Brief

Client Company:

A Button Maker Manufacturer

Target Consumer:

All Ages

Designer:
Problem
Statement:

A Button Maker Manufacturer received increased number of

requests for the button maker to produce higher volumes of
buttons in a short amount of time. You were contracted to
modify the existing product to achieve this goal while
meeting the constraints below.

Design Statement:

Modify the button maker modeled in Project 8.1a Model

Button Maker to allow users to produce buttons at a faster
rate.

Constraints:

1 Must have a minimum of three different parts once

assembled.
9. Visual design must be consistent with visual design
principles and elements used in the design of the
existing button maker.
10. Must increase speed of button production by 50%.
11. Must remain a safe operation for the user.

2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Introduction to Engineering Design Project 10.1 Design Challenge Page 2

Train Car Design Brief

Client Company:

A Miniature Train Manufacturer

Target Consumer:

All Ages

Designer:
Problem
Statement:

A miniature train manufacturer has asked your design team

to create a train car that can be hooked to the train engine
car. The train car must be the same relative scale as the
engine car.

Design Statement:

Design and model a train car that can hook on the engine
car created in Project 8.1c Model Miniature Train.

Constraints:

1 Must have a minimum of seven different parts once

assembled.
12. Must be the same relative scale as the engine car.
13. Must be able to attach to the engine car.

2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Introduction to Engineering Design Project 10.1 Design Challenge Page 3

Desk Organizer Design Brief

Client Company:

Office Supply Chain

Target Consumer:

Teachers, Corporate Executives, and home office workers

Designer:
Problem
Statement:

Keeping an office desk from becoming cluttered with papers,

devices such as pens, pencils, staplers, paper clips, Post-It
Notes, and writing pads is a never-ending task. This hinders
work space and organization.

Design Statement:

Design and model a product that will reduce the clutter that
accumulates on office desks and free up space.

Constraints:

1 Must not attach to the desk.

14. Must fit into a box with interior dimensions of 6 in.
depth x 12 in. width x 10 in. height.
15. Must include a recessed area, a bent plastic part, and
must have a base in. thick.
16. Must have a minimum of five different parts once
assembled.
17. Must hold a minimum of six items.

2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Introduction to Engineering Design Project 10.1 Design Challenge Page 4

Emergency Supply Organizer Design Brief

Client Company:

Auto Parts Stores

Target Consumer:

Owners of automobiles with trunks

Designer:
Problem Statement:

Even when placed carefully in the trunk of a car,

emergency supplies and other items slide around and
shift positions. Many times these products are damaged
or fall into the crevices of the spare tire compartment.

Design Statement:

Design a low cost organization system that will neatly

contain emergency supplies that are commonly carried in
an automobile trunk.

Constraints:

1. Must not attach to any part of the car.

1 Must fit within a box with interior dimensions of 14
in. wide x 12 in. deep x 10 in. high.
18. Must be an assembly of a minimum of six different
parts.
19. Must hold a minimum of seven items.
20. Must be made of a durable material.

2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Introduction to Engineering Design Project 10.1 Design Challenge Page 5

Candy Dispenser Design Brief

Client Company:

A Leading Candy Company

Target Consumer:

Children ages 5 to 12

Designer:
Problem
Statement:

The Candy Company is celebrating its 50th year anniversary

and would like to provide consumers with a candy dispenser
that will house the four existing bite-size candies that they
currently produce. They also want new shapes created for
each candy.

Design Statement:

Design and model a new hand-held dispensing system.

Constraints:

1 Must be durable.
21. Must fit into a box with interior dimensions of 8 in.
wide x 4 in. deep x 4 in. high.
22. Must be an assembly of a minimum of four different
parts.
23. Must hold the four new candy shapes.
24. The new candy shapes cannot exceed in. width,
depth, height, or diameter.

2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Introduction to Engineering Design Project 10.1 Design Challenge Page 6

Conclusion
1. Why is it important to model an idea before making a final prototype?

2. Based on your experiences during the completion of the Design Challenges,

what was the hardest thing about working as a team?

3. What is a design brief?

4. Besides a three-fold brochure, how else can you market your design?

2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Introduction to Engineering Design Project 10.1 Design Challenge Page 7