The engineering design process is the set of steps that a designer takes to go from first, identifying a problem or need to, at the end, creating and developing a solution that solves the problem or meets the need.

The steps of the engineering design process are to:

• Define the Problem
• Do Background Research
• Specify Requirements
• Create Alternative Solutions
• Choose the Best Solution
• Do Development Work
• Build a Prototype
• Test and Redesign

During the engineering design process, designers frequently jump back and forth between steps. Going back to earlier steps is common. This way of working is called iteration, and it is likely that your process will do the same!

While engineers create new things, such as products, websites, environments, and experiences, scientists study how nature works. If your project involves making observations and doing experiments, your project might better fit the Steps of the Scientific Method.

If you are not sure if your project is a scientific or engineering project, you should read Comparing the Engineering Design Process and the Scientific Method.