What’s next in Engineering Design?

What is engineering design? And what does its future look like?

As with almost any other field that uses design principles, engineering design can be defined as an iterative & systematic process that helps engineers come up multiple ‘applications’ such as intelligent product design, solutions evaluation, and creating new systems using cutting edge technology.

Few of the main features of engineering design:

• It is a structured process – more than any other field of design, engineering design is iterative and keeps going back to previous steps based on the results of tests & evaluations.
• Inter- or multi-disciplinary – it also works with many other sectors including other fields of engineering, and ‘external’ fields such as science & mathematics.
• Core problem – engineering design is, fundamentally, all about solving a core problem by using creativity and technical knowledge.
• Innovation is key – lateral thinking drives engineering design – core problems can be addressed with creative thought processes.

The future of engineering design is being shaped by multiple aspects including social concerns, environmental challenges, technological advances, and growth in collaborative tools. Let's look at what the future holds.

Artificial Intelligence

This should come as no surprise! AI is set to become the biggest game-changer in the world. As far as engineering design is concerned, AI can deliver:

• Predictive modeling to help companies tackle risk more effectively
• Better, faster, more effective design of products & services
• Deployment of new tools to make the designer’s job easier
• A better way to simulate complex scenarios

A more holistic approach to design is also possible with AI since it can help build better cross-platform communication & collaboration. It is pertinent to note that AI can also help engineers become stronger in their environmental stewardship.

Sustainable Design

Engineering design is also becoming more aware of the need for environmentally friendly solutions, along with resource efficiency. With many countries focusing on Net Zero targets and finding sustainable goals not just trendy, but essential, engineering design must look at energy efficiency too. Green technology, reducing waste and including new materials such as recycled and/or natural materials is creating an interesting space for engineering design.

Nanotechnology

Nanoparticles have big potential! It is relevant to note that design processes are still evolving to deal with the safety factors associated with nanoparticles. And engineers are making huge strides to see how nanomaterials can be included in designs to improve performance, strength, and longevity. For instance, nano particles are being added to cement to improve durability.

It is right to say that the future of engineering design is being shaped by some powerful forces. The convergence of these trends & technologies is going to be an exciting space indeed. It is also safe to conclude by saying that the question is no longer if these future-shaping trends will come but how quickly we can adapt to & adopt them.