What is the first step in the engineering design process?

The first step in the engineering design process is to define the problem. This initial step is crucial because it provides clarity and direction for subsequent steps in the design process. By defining the problem, engineers and designers establish a clear understanding of the challenges they need to address and the objectives they aim to achieve.

A well-defined problem sets the foundation for idea generation, ensures that solutions will be relevant, and helps guide the evaluation and implementation stages. Without a clear problem statement, the risk increases that the solutions developed may not effectively address the needs, leading to wasted effort and resources. This makes problem definition not only the starting point but also a critical element that influences the success of the entire design process.