The book is conveniently divided into two major sections. The first, an introduction to engineering, begins with a description and breakdown of the engineering profession. Material concerning most disciplines in engineering is included in this section. Engineering design is also introduced in this section, providing an opportunity to investigate the “essence of engineering” in a holistic manner.
The second major section, processing engineering data, includes the essentials required in preparing for any engineering curriculum. It covers, for example, problem-solving procedures(including solving open-ended problems), engineering estimations, dimensions, and units (including both customary and SI units).
Engineers are tasked with developing systems that produce value in a nutshell. The way you configure and define that system, iteratively dealing with the bigger parts first and sequentially working your way down to defining the smallest details last, is engineering design. This book explains the whole philosophy behind design, and how to do it. It’s essentially a decision-making process, that can actually carry over into practically anything you do in life so even non-technical people could probably benefit from this book.
This book lays out a ten step process of design that is iterative. Meaning you can always (and actually will have to do so many, many times) go back and repeat steps. Although these ten steps are not written in stone, and highly recommend any engineer / designer to develop their own steps, they are an excellent guide to improving the quality and reducing the difficulty of design work.
Related Books:
- Engineering Fundamentals: An Introduction to Engineering – Saeed Moaveni
- Engineering Formulas : Kurt Gieck, Reiner Gieck
- Head First Design Patterns – By Elisabeth Freeman
- Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students (Design Briefs) – By Ellen Lupton
- The Photographer’s Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos : Michael Freeman
- Satchel: The Life and Times of an American Legend : By Larry Tye
- Photovoltaics: Design and Installation Manual – By Solar Energy International
- Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery (Voices That Matter) – By Garr Reynolds
