1.13 Technological Design Process
1.13 Technological Design Process
- Define technological design.
- List the steps of the technological design process.
This giant six-limbed robot is NASA’s Tri-ATHLETE. As the robot’s name suggests, it is very “athletic.” It was
designed to do the heavy lifting in explorations of other planets and moons in the universe. TheTri(“three”) part of
its name refers to the fact that the robot can split into two separate three-limbed robots. These smaller robots can do
things that the larger, six-limbed robot can’t.
What Is Technological Design?
The process in which tri-ATHLETE was created and perfected is calledtechnological design. This is the process
in which most new technologies are developed. Technological design is similar to scientific investigation. Both
processes rely on evidence and reason, and follow a logical sequence of steps to solve problems or answer questions.
The process of designing a new technology includes much more than just coming up with a good idea. Possible
limitations, or constraints, on the design must be taken into account. These might include factors such as the cost
or safety of the new product or process. Making and testing a model of the design are also important. These steps
ensure that the design actually works to solve the problem. This process also gives the designer a chance to find
problems and modify the design if necessary. No solution is perfect, but testing and refining a design assures that
the technology will provide a workable solution to the problem it is intended to solve.
Steps of the Technological Design Process
The technological design process can be broken down into the series of steps shown in the flowchart inFigure1.14.
Typically, some of the steps have to be repeated, and the steps may not always be done in the sequence shown.