The tremendous possibilities  of  the  techniques  and  processes  developed  by engineers  can  only  be  realised by  great design.  Design turns an  idea  into  a  useful artefact,  the  problem  into  a  solution,  or something ugly  and inefficient into  an  elegant, desirable  and  cost  effective everyday  object. Without a sound understanding  of  the design  process  the  engineer  works  in  isolation  without the  links  between  theory  and the  needs  of the  end  user.

The aim  of  this  unit  is  to  introduce  students  to  the  methodical steps  that engineers use  in creating  functional  products  and  processes;  from  a  design brief to  the  work, and the  stages  involved in  identifying and  justifying  a  solution  to  a  given  engineering need. Among the  topics  included in  this  unit are:  Gantt charts  and critical path  analysis, stakeholder requirements,  market analysis,  design  process  management,  modelling and prototyping,  manufacturability,  reliability  life  cycle,  safety  and risk, management, calculations,  drawings  and concepts  and ergonomics.

On successful completion of  this  unit students  will be  able  to  prepare  an  engineering design  specification  that satisfies  stakeholders’  requirements,  implement  best practice when  analysing and  evaluating  possible  design  solutions,  prepare  a  written  technical design  report,  and  present their  finalised design  to  a  customer or audience.

This unit counts towards RPL for a level 4 (or higher Apprenticeship) Engineering Design.

All programmes are open to Londoners who meet the following criteria:

• UK resident and living in London
• Aged 18+
• Do not hold a level 4 (post-college/sixth form) qualification
• Either employed (and earning less than London Living Wage) or unemployed/economically inactive