Engineering design
Where are you? West side of the ‘L tracks, looking north at the curve in the tracks.
What is engineering design? Some might define “design” as a plan for the look and function of something. Engineering design, like other design processes, uncover the problem and create prototypes to test, evaluate, and iterate (or improve). To design the tracks, a distinct set of steps and testing had to be used to determine details like the degree of curvature, track gauge, train weight, car dimensions, and the dimensions of wheels and bearings.
A big difference between engineering and other kinds of design is that usually the problem is quite apparent (versus product design or UX design, which you’ll learn more about).
Where can you learn more?
Freight Train Curve Resistance from 1927 (University of Illinois)
What is Engineering Design and the Engineering Design Process? (Engineer Girl)
