Communication systems. chapter 1

Communication systems. chapter 1

• 2.
  What is Technology? Technology takes place when people use their knowledge to extend their abilities, satisfy needs and wants, and solve problems.
• 3.
  The Development of technology:  By tracking how our wants and needs have developed over time, we can see how technology has developed.  We can categorize most inventions into three different Ages of Technology: Agricultural Age, Industrial Age and Informational Age.
• 4.
  Agricultural Age ( ~10,000yrs ago)  Economy was based on growing crops and raising livestock.  Key Invention: Plow Loom Reading and writing Measurement Money
• 5.
  Industrial Age (~ 1750)  Economy was based on manufacturing. Key Inventions: Steam engine Mass production Trains, planes, automobile Skyscraper
• 6.
  Information Age  Economyis based on knowledge.  Today we live in the Information Age Key Inventions: Telephone, radio, TV  Transistor Computer Internet and World Wide Web
• 7.
  The Design Process DESIGN is the process of creating things by planning. Designing requires investigating, answering questions, and making decisions. Designing Steps:  Identify a Need or define the problem  Gather Information  Develop Possible Solutions  Model the Solutions  Test and evaluate the solution  Refine the solution  Communicate your ideas
• 8.
  Identify a needor define the problem:  The first step in beginning the design process is identifying a need or defining the problem.  Think of the Criteria: things that the product must do or include. Consider the Constraints: limits placed on the design and the designer. A Design Brief will help clarify design problems:  State the problem.  List the Criteria. List the constraints.
• 9.
  Gathering Information  Lookfor information that will help to design a solution.  Research how others have solved similar problems  Conduct internet searches to locate information  Conduct surveys  Talk to other people.  Feedback from people/customers who will use the product.
• 10.
  Develop Possible Solutions Many problems have numerous solutions. Always consider all possible solutions instead of holding onto the first that pops into your head.  Brainstorming is a great technique designers use to develop their ideas. Brainstorming is a process in which group members suggest ideas out loud as they think of them.  Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the ideas that were brainstormed.  The design chosen should not only work good but it must also look good.
• 11.
  Model the Solution Building a model is an additional way of gathering information and it is a great way to test design ideas.  There are many different models you can construct:  Two-dimensional and pictorial drawings, sketches, and renderings can help you visualize what a design solution would look like in real life.  A Prototype is a working model. It looks and functions just like the finished product and is usually made by hand.
• 12.
  Test & Evaluatethe Solution  MODELS AND DESIGNS MUST BE TESTED! Important questions that must be answered: Does it do what it is supposed to do? Is it safe to use? Will it last as long as it needs to? Is the cost within acceptable limits? Is it comfortable to use? Does it have a pleasing appearance? Does it stay within the criteria and constraints?
• 13.
  Refine the Solution After testing and evaluating, there might be changes that will be needed.  This refinement period is where the design is improved before production begins.
• 14.
  Communicate Your Ideas Communicating the idea is just as important as the design itself – Designers must prove that their designs are worthy of manufacturing.  Drawing, charts, prototypes, and dialogue are the tools used to sell a design idea.
• 15.
  Who Designs Solutions? An Engineer is a person who uses his or her knowledge of math, science, technology and communication to solve technical design problems.  Engineering changes as new needs develop. As new technologies emerge, new types of engineering are introduced.
• 16.
  Types of Engineers Classic Engineers: ( Civil, Mechanical, Mining, Chemical)  The oldest engineering category is the Civil Engineering (~1700s) -- this type of engineers most commonly designed structures, which were used by the public.  New Generation of Engineering: ( Manufacturing, Aerospace, Materials, Environmental & Computer )  Manufacturing Engineers try to find the best way to produce a product. Their objective is to increase productivity.  Environmental Engineers came developed sue to the rapid increase of manufacturing. They design cleaner production methods and design systems t clean up polluted sites.
• 17.
  Source: Harms, & Swernofsky(2007). Technology Interactions 3rd Edition. Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.