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Engineering Design Process Flow Chart

Oct. 3, 2024 | Last Updated: Oct. 3, 2024
A flow chart consists of the following steps: identify the problem, brainstorm solutions, select a design, build a model or prototype, test and evaluate, optimize the design. The arrows between build, test and evaluate, and optimize flow in a circle.

This flow-chart describes the engineering design process, which is the process by which engineers identify a problem, design and build a solution, test the solution, and improve on their design. The steps include:

  1. Identify the problem.
  2. Brainstorm solutions.
  3. Select a design.
  4. Build a model or prototype.
  5. Test and evaluate.
  6. If a solution has been reached, share the solution.
  7. If no solution has been reached, cycle back to steps 4 and 5, building, testing, and evaluating until a solution is found.

About the Author

Kim Orr

Content Strategist & Editor, NASA JPL Education

Kim Orr leads content strategy for the Education Office at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Her work includes editing, writing, and design for the JPL Education website, social media channels, newsletter, and other digital communications platforms.