Transcript U2-2 Design and Technical Writing

Unit 2: Engineering Communication
1. Pass over your College/Scholarship application
information/proof.
2. What are the implications of this quote for engineers:
“…as is made clear and obvious in the
illustration because I cannot so well set it
forth in words as I see it in my mind’s eye.
But the picture will show it.”
– Guido da Vigevano, Physician and Engineer, 1335
quoted in Engineering and the Mind’s Eye
One of Vigevano's windmill-powered vehicles
Technical Graphic Communication
Review
Which type of technical drawing is each below? Explain.
B
A
E
D
C
F
G
Essential Elements of Engineering
1. Thorough understanding of scientific principles
•
Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Thermodynamics, etc.
2. Practical and useful designs
• Based on design requirements
• KISS – Keep It Short and Simple
3. Good communication skills
• Great design is worthless if not effectively communicated
ORAL
WRITTEN
DRAWINGS
Engineering Communication
Technical Writing
“…it matters only whether a large majority of
the reading audience accurately perceives
what the author had in mind.”
– The Science of Scientific Writing
Technical Writing
Good technical writers practice:
1. Planning – know your audience, know your purpose
2. Clarity – avoid jargon, define the unfamiliar
3. Brevity – less is more, most important first, avoid
redundancy
4. Simplicity – avoid complexity and use details wisely
5. Word Choice – avoid pronoun overuse (it/this) and
avoid excess words
6. Active Voice – more straightforward and strong
Mousetrap Design Project
• Project:
– Design a paper mousetrap
– Write a detailed set of instructions for the construction of
the trap – written only in third person
• Include isometrics and surface development drawings
with dimensions, drawn using Sketchup, to indicate how
the paper should be cut, folded, and assembled.
• Available Materials:
– 2 sheets of stiff paper
– Clear tape and white Elmer’s glue
– Rubber bands
Mousetrap Design Project
• Design Requirements:
– Capture the mouse (ping-pong ball) so that moving/turning
the trap will not release the mouse
– Access to trap must be at ground level (no ramps or bumps)
– Include a triggering mechanism that will spring the trap
– If design involves a door, provide a method of locking the
door
• Grading based on:
– Quality of your technical instructions (including drawings)
– Another person’s ability to construct the trap according to
your instructions
– Whether the trap works
– The professionalism and relevancy of your evaluation of
another person’s instructions
Schedule
Day
Class Work
M
Tu
W
Mousetrap Design Project
Computer Lab
Computer Lab
Th
F
M
Assignment(s) Due
Test Review / Computer Lab
Mousetrap Instructions Due
Unit 2 Test
Technical Drawing Lab Due
(After Thanksgiving)