PLTW The Design Process Steps Exam
Iteration - Answer A process of repetition to yield results successively closer to the
goal.
Brainstorming - Answer A method of shared problem solving in which all members of a
group spontaneously, and in an unrestrained discussion, generate ideas.
Decision Matrix - Answer A tool for systematically ranking alternative solutions
according to a set of criteria. This is the step for brainstorming and exploring alternative
ideas based on further knowledge and technologies.
Design Answer An iterative decisionmaking process that produces plans by which
resources are converted into products or systems that meet human needs and wants or
solve problems.
Design Brief Answer A written plan that identifies a problem to be solved, its criteria,
and its constraints. The design brief is used to encourage thinking of all aspects of a
problem before attempting a solution.
Design Process - Answer An orderly, systematic problem-solving strategy with criteria
and constraints used by engineers to develop many possible solutions to a problem or to
satisfy human needs and wants and winnow (narrow) down the possible solutions to one
final choice.
Designer - Answer A person who designs any of a variety of things.
Engineer - Answer A person who is trained in and uses technological and scientific
knowledge to solve practical problems.
, Evaluate - Answer To form an idea of the amount or value of; assess.
Model - a small-scale, usually simplified, graphical, mathematical or three-dimensional
representation of an object or design. The model is often built to test an idea, to refine a
design and learn about what might happen to a similar real object.
Problem Solving - Solution The process by which an individual comes to know and
understand a problem, thinks of ways to solve it, carries out a plan of solution, and looks
back to see if the plan solved the problem or met the need or want.
Process - Solution Human actions used to create, invent, design, transform, produce,
control, maintain, and use products or systems; a series of actions that combine
resources to produce an output.
Prototype - Answer A full-scale working model used to test a design concept by making
actual observations and necessary adjustments.
Research - Answer Systematic, scientific, documented study.
Testing - Answer A method for collecting data.
Define the Problem - Answer Step 1 of the Design Process- Using a Design Brief, the
problem is presented with criteria needed to be fulfilled in the solution.
Generate Concepts - Design Process Answer Step 2 - Ideas' gathering and filtering
down with a decision matrix to find the best design of the solution.
Research and Brainstorming - Answer Needed to Generate Concepts
Develop a Solution - Design Process Answer Step 3 - Technical drawing: beginning
seeing the entire picture of the solution. Develop detailed and annotated sketches of
design.
Iteration - Answer A process of repetition to yield results successively closer to the
goal.
Brainstorming - Answer A method of shared problem solving in which all members of a
group spontaneously, and in an unrestrained discussion, generate ideas.
Decision Matrix - Answer A tool for systematically ranking alternative solutions
according to a set of criteria. This is the step for brainstorming and exploring alternative
ideas based on further knowledge and technologies.
Design Answer An iterative decisionmaking process that produces plans by which
resources are converted into products or systems that meet human needs and wants or
solve problems.
Design Brief Answer A written plan that identifies a problem to be solved, its criteria,
and its constraints. The design brief is used to encourage thinking of all aspects of a
problem before attempting a solution.
Design Process - Answer An orderly, systematic problem-solving strategy with criteria
and constraints used by engineers to develop many possible solutions to a problem or to
satisfy human needs and wants and winnow (narrow) down the possible solutions to one
final choice.
Designer - Answer A person who designs any of a variety of things.
Engineer - Answer A person who is trained in and uses technological and scientific
knowledge to solve practical problems.
, Evaluate - Answer To form an idea of the amount or value of; assess.
Model - a small-scale, usually simplified, graphical, mathematical or three-dimensional
representation of an object or design. The model is often built to test an idea, to refine a
design and learn about what might happen to a similar real object.
Problem Solving - Solution The process by which an individual comes to know and
understand a problem, thinks of ways to solve it, carries out a plan of solution, and looks
back to see if the plan solved the problem or met the need or want.
Process - Solution Human actions used to create, invent, design, transform, produce,
control, maintain, and use products or systems; a series of actions that combine
resources to produce an output.
Prototype - Answer A full-scale working model used to test a design concept by making
actual observations and necessary adjustments.
Research - Answer Systematic, scientific, documented study.
Testing - Answer A method for collecting data.
Define the Problem - Answer Step 1 of the Design Process- Using a Design Brief, the
problem is presented with criteria needed to be fulfilled in the solution.
Generate Concepts - Design Process Answer Step 2 - Ideas' gathering and filtering
down with a decision matrix to find the best design of the solution.
Research and Brainstorming - Answer Needed to Generate Concepts
Develop a Solution - Design Process Answer Step 3 - Technical drawing: beginning
seeing the entire picture of the solution. Develop detailed and annotated sketches of
design.
