The Technology Teacher
International Technology and Engineering Educators Association
The presents information on optimization, an important stage of engineering design. Criteria and design constraints are used in the optimization stage of the engineering design process to allow the designer to locate the optimal solution. Before initiating a prototype work, both analysis and optimization are done in designing a product. Optimization is done to create the best design relative to a set of prioritized criteria or constraints, including maximizing factors such as productivity, strength, reliability, longevity, efficiency and utilization.
Kelley, T. R. (2010). Optimization, an important stage of engineering design. The Technology Teacher, 69(5), 18-23.