Selecting a Solution Path

Engineering Design and Development

Selection Process

1. Create a decision matrix

2. Rate the concepts

3. Rank the concepts

4. Combine and improve the concepts

5. Select top concept(s)

6. Reflect on the results

Create a Decision Matrix

Problem: Lessen premature death of Red Drum due to mouth infections in the lower Laguna Madre of Texas

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Create a Decision Matrix

Problem: Lessen premature death of Red Drum due to mouth infections in the lower Laguna Madre of Texas

Create a Decision Matrix

Create a Decision Matrix

Create a Decision Matrix

The first concept is sometimes used as a baseline concept

Create a Decision Matrix

Rate the Concepts

1 Much worse than baseline2 Worse than baseline 3 No difference from baseline4 Better than baseline5 Much better than baseline

Rate the Concepts

+ Better than ( + scored as 1)0 Same as (0 scored as 0)– Worse than (– scored as -1)

Alternate Rating System

Alternate Rating System

Any numeric scale (e.g., 1 – 10)

Rate the Concepts

Rate the Concepts

4

Rate the Concepts

Rating x W

eight Factor =

Weighted

Score

4

Rate the Concepts

Rank the Concepts

814 7 3625

Rank the Concepts

1. Concept 5 – Restock regularly2. Concept 2 – Fishermen treat fish with ointment3. Concept 7 – Provide fish food with medication4. Concept 4 – Require treated hooks5. Concept 1 – DO NOTHING6. Concept 3 – Treat water with antibiotics7. Concept 6 – Treat water with chemicals8. Concept 8 – Ban fishing

1. Concept 5 – Restock regularly2. Concept 2 – Fishermen treat fish with ointment3. Concept 7 – Provide fish food with medication4. Concept 4 – Require treated hooks5. Concept 1 – DO NOTHING6. Concept 3 – Treat water with antibiotics7. Concept 6 – Treat water with chemicals8. Concept 8 – Ban fishing

Combine and Improve

Concept 9 - Stock waters with treated feeder minnows or shrimp that the Red Drum will eat

1. Concept 5 – Restock Regularly2. Concept 2 – Fishermen treat fish with ointment3. Concept 7 – Provide fish food with medication4. Concept 4 – Require treated hooks5. Concept 1 – DO NOTHING6. Concept 3 – Treat water with antibiotics7. Concept 6 – Treat water with chemicals8. Concept 8 – Ban fishing

Select One or More Concepts

Concept 9 - Stock waters with treated feeder minnows or shrimp that the Red Drum will eat

Select Top Concept

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REPEAT AS NEEDED

Reflect on the Results

1. Think about the results of your selection process.

2. Review the ideas that have been previously discarded.

3. Consider ways to improve your current choice.

4. Do you still think your selection is the best solution?

Selection Process

1. Create a decision matrix

2. Rate the concepts

3. Rank the concepts

4. Combine and improve the concepts

5. Select top concept(s)

6. Reflect on the results

Resources

Ulrich, K. T. & Eppinger, S. D. (2008). Product design and development. Boston: McGraw Hill.