ASEE Zone 2 Conference 2017

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The Science Behind the Creation of a Design Challenge for Research

In the past years design challenges have become very popular amongst universities and education environments in general. Different intentions motivate the creation of such events. For some, a design challenge sets the environment for research while others use it to motivate entrepreneurship and innovation. Some may argue about the effectiveness of these events to trigger the creation of start-ups or realistic businesses. Considering that design challenges are not necessarily planned with much science taken into account and with these motivations, this work provides a scientific perspective for the effective planning of a design challenge. Starting with the identification of needs, the most important phase of the design process, researchers should carefully consider the information to be provided to design teams. Considering it can affect the outcome of possible solutions, since the design process needs to be open for creative ideation. Depending on the aim of the event a needs assessment should be conducted to openly approach the objective. Recruitment is not trivial. Therefore, to attract highly performing participants a literature review of the characteristics good designers should have is provided along with the instruments developed for this purpose. In addition, team characteristics are reviewed to obtain a selective group that can offer the appropriate structure to enhance each team's performance. The schedule preparation is addressed by comparing similar events to approach the design challenge in the most effective way possible. The result of this study is intended to guide in a successful planning of a design challenge with the use of scientific resources as a means to promote design challenges for research purposes.

Author(s):

Julienne Deynes    
Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus
Puerto Rico

Sabrina Sierra    
Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus
Puerto Rico

Maria Hernandez    
Department of Surveying
University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus
Puerto Rico

Elizabeth Ayala    
Department of Industrial Engineering
University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus
Puerto Rico

Lourdes Medina    
Department of Industrial Engineering
University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus
Puerto Rico

 

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