When students, engineers, or inventors start a new project, they are often excited to brainstorm ideas and create prototypes. However, one of the most important steps in the engineering design process is actually defining the problem. This means understanding what the problem is and figuring out the criteria and constraints that will shape how the project moves forward and leads to success. Learn more about criteria and constraints, their importance, and how they impact the engineering design process.
Are you looking for a criteria and constraints activity for your classroom? Grab one here!
Understanding Criteria and Constraints
In engineering, criteria are the requirements or guidelines engineers must adhere to when developing solutions. They represent the project goals and what the final solution should achieve. Constraints are the limitations or restrictions that must be adhered to during the design process. These may include time, budget, resource availability, and technical limitations. Both criteria and constraints play pivotal roles in ensuring that designs are not just functional, but also feasible and effective.
The Importance of Criteria in the Engineering Design Process
Criteria set the goals for a project and define success. They are the targets that engineers aim for when developing a solution. Clear, well-defined criteria help engineering teams stay focused on their objectives and measure the success of their solutions.
The criteria:
- Guide decision-making: Criteria help engineers make informed decisions by providing specific goals and standards that must be met.
- Ensure alignment: They ensure the created designs align with the client’s or customers’ needs and expectations.
- Facilitate evaluation: Criteria provide a basis for evaluating different design options and selecting the most effective solution.
For example, if engineers are designing a wind-proof umbrella, the criteria could include being able to withstand strong winds without breaking or inverting, using strong and long-lasting materials, being easy to use, and being visually appealing.
The Role of Constraints in the Engineering Design Process
Constraints are the boundaries within which the design must operate. They impose limits on achievable goals and force engineers to think creatively to work within those boundaries. Common constraints include time, budget limitations, material availability, and environmental regulations.
The constraints:
- Define feasibility: Constraints show engineers what can be done and what can’t to ensure their designs are realistic and achievable.
- Foster creativity: Working within constraints can lead to innovative solutions as engineers find ways to overcome limitations.
- Ensure practicality: Constraints ensure that designs are not only innovative but also workable and ready for real use.
When designing a wind-proof umbrella, there are several constraints that engineers may need to consider, including the budget, material availability, size and weight limits, and user safety.
Balancing criteria and constraints
Successful engineering design involves balancing criteria and constraints. Engineers need to meet the goals of the project (criteria) while sticking to the limitations (constraints) they have. For example, if the goal is to create a safe and fun playground but the budget is limited, engineers need to devise ways to stay within the budget while still creating a safe and fun playground solution. This balance ensures engineers create solutions that work well and are possible to make.
Looking for support teaching your STEM students about criteria and constraints?
Check out this criteria and constraints scavenger hunt that will excite and inspire your middle school students!
In this activity, your students will:
- Define criteria and constraints.
- Learn about the important role of criteria and constraints in the engineering design process.
- Identify examples of criteria and constraints.
Grab this resource today to check planning off your to-do list while knowing your students will still be learning and having fun!
