GOAL
RESEARCH OPTIONS
BLOCK DIAGRAM OF SYSTEM
UTILIZE SOFTWARE
TESTING & EVALUATION
PRODUCT RELEASE
PROTOTYPE
Although not directly shown at any step the process can revert to a previous step if needed. These return arrows arn't shown for cleanlyness of the diagram.
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GOAL- Though sometimes overlooked this initial step is critical. If proper forethought is put into this step then the rest of the process falls into place. You can think of the Goal as the wind in the projects sails, its easier to proceed in that given direction. At this point a general overview of what it does is outlined. This includes manditory and prefered design features.
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RESEARCH OPTIONS- Now that we have the idea hammered out it is time to look into the options. This can be the final step as pre-existing products maycome to light. However, most often at this point the finer points are looked into. These could be the specs of mandatory parts and how to interface them with the rest of the intended system.
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BLOCK DIAGRAM OF SYSTEM- At this point the basic components are linked using a block diagram to show the connectivity of the internal components both with each other and external ports.
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UTILIZE SOFTWARE- Now it is time to get down to the nitty-gritty. Running circuit simulations, laying out the PCB, and creating visual models.
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PROOF OF CONCEPT- Once the design is created and the simulations are ran to satisfaction it is time to put together a proof-of-concept prototype.This may mean creating and testing parts of the full product or it may be a complete prototype.
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TESTING & EVALUATION- With a working version the product can begin to go through testing to make improvements or changes based on the preformance. This step commonly results in a return to a previous step for improvements.
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PRODUCT RELEASE - This is the only step that I haven't experienced. All of the projects that I have worked on thus far have been either research related and as such get passed from student to student as we pass through the higher education system. Other personal projects have been made into a proof of concept phase and are waiting on finances or time to continue towards a finished product.