Development of a Simplified Method for Representing Technological Systems for Non-Engineers

A challenge in promoting engineering and technological literacy is the need to convey the major aspects of technological systems to an audience that has a limited pre-existing knowledge of engineering principles. Visual aids such diagrams are helpful in summarizing key features of technological systems and conveying concepts common to all technologies. However in survey courses of modern technology for non-engineers, the methods and conventions used must be consistent across a broad spectrum of common technologies including automobiles, structures such as bridges, and electronics. This work describes the initial development of a set of techniques to describe how technological systems work by focusing on the function structures of technological system. Non-engineers can learn this method in a limited amount of time and a range of technological products can be represented. The method avoids the creation of ad hoc diagrams for each system and is based on the engineering design technique of functional analysis or functional decomposition. This technique is modified to emphasize the description of the functions carried out by existing system components rather than functions to be achieved through the design process. The method utilizes the convention of representing technological systems as transforming specified inputs into expected outputs. Inputs and outputs are treated as flows of material, energy, or information. Icons or representations of form similar to conventional schematic symbols can be utilized to provide visual references and cues. This technique reflects the type of thinking used by engineers; however prerequisite background knowledge or use of extensive mathematics is not required. Initial results from use in a course for non-engineers show an increase in technological and engineering literacy among the pilot audience.