MECH_ENG 398-1
Engineering Design I
Experience in the creative process of design. Defining product specifications, developing and analyzing ideas, using CAD drawings, building physical prototypes, demonstrating feasibility, and achieving full alpha-level functionality.
2026 Fall
Topics
- The course provides an experience in the creative aspects of design from project definition to ideation to functional prototypes. Industry sponsored projects are carried by student groups. Throughout the 10-week period, students will have the opportunity to experience the entire process of design, including defining product specifications, developing creative design ideas, evaluating design concepts based on engineering analysis, describing the detailed design using CAD drawings, and building physical prototypes to demonstrate feasibility. Former students in this course won various product design awards, such as the international design competition based in Germany and the Margaret and Muir Frey Memorial Prize for Innovation and Creativity at Northwestern University.
Readings
- Product Design and Development, Ulrich and Eppinger, McGraw Hill, 6th edition, ISBN 978-0078029066. Lecture Notes Design Notebook
Prerequisites & course information
Prerequisite: senior standing or consent of department. SoC Mathematics, Science, and Technology Distro
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026–2027
- Official class description ↗2026 Fall