Introduction to Engineering Design

Overview

About the Course

Introduction to Engineering Design is the foundational course in the PLTW Engineering program. Using an activity-project-problem (APB) approach, students progress from structured activities to open-ended design challenges that require planning, iteration, and professional-level documentation.

Students develop competency in 3D solid modeling with Autodesk Fusion 360, technical drawing, precision measurement, statistical analysis, and mathematical modeling — all applied in service of real engineering design decisions. The course emphasizes collaboration, project management, and ethical engineering practice throughout.

Design and document engineering solutions using a full iterative design process
Create 3D solid models and technical CAD drawings of parts and assemblies in Fusion 360
Reverse-engineer consumer products to analyze visual, functional, and structural design
Apply material science concepts and statistical analysis to inform design decisions
Design electromechanical systems integrating mechanisms and electrical circuits

Curriculum

Units

Unit 1

Design and Problem Solving

Engineering design process, concept sketching, isometric and orthographic drawing, CAD fundamentals, precision measurement, statistical analysis, and 3D printing.

Unit 2

Assembly Design

Mechanical fasteners, fits and tolerances, bottom-up and top-down CAD assembly modeling, reverse engineering, and material identification and selection.

Unit 3

Thoughtful Product Design

Life cycle analysis, sustainability, human-centered design, systems thinking, ethical considerations, generative design, and a client-based engineering consulting project.

Unit 4

Making Things Move