Integrating Engineering Design into Graphics Courses

This paper focuses on integrating engineering design into graphics courses in engineering and manufacturing engineering programs. In the past, small deviations like graphical problem solving or simple design knowledge were utilized in engineering graphics courses. However, addition of strong but controlled design content will allow students to get exposed to the design process and its medium (graphics) simultaneously, enforcing better understanding of the purpose of engineering graphics while enhancing the learning process. In addition to the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) tools, design analysis through CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) and CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) programming are included within this graphics course. The integrated design approach of parts, tooling, and processing are coupled to introduce consumer product design. Motion studies, thermal and structural analysis are also utilized for representation of mechanical design concepts and their graphics environment. Adding design components to this graphics course improved student excitement, performance and consequent retention, compared to the other graphics courses taught in a traditional way in the same institution during the same time frame. Examples of each activity employed as well as possible future activities will be included in this paper. The paper will conclude with the assessment process.