Preparing and Conducting Observations in Engineering and Design

This resource introduces students to the use of observations as a method for gathering information and engaging with relevant stakeholders and their contexts.

Students learn about observations in engineering and design work, different observation frameworks, and best practices in the documentation of observational data. This resource offers several opportunities to practice with the different observation frameworks, helping learners distinguish descriptions and interpretations and discuss what can be observed —and with what purpose– with each observation framework presented.

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Learning Outcomes

After reading and actively engaging with this document, students will be able to:

• Identify motivations and purposes for conducting observations in engineering and design work
• Distinguish descriptive observations from interpretations that include judgement or perspective from the observer
• Discuss four different observation frameworks, including their purpose and application
• Select and use an observation framework to describe and document observational data for a proposed scene

Key Themes

• Value of Observations in Engineering and Design Work
• Description of Stakeholder Contexts
• Observation Frameworks and Practices
• Best Practices in the Use of Observations and Documentation of Observational Data

Who Might Use This Resource?

• First-year students in foundational design courses for different disciplines
• Students in co-curricular design teams
• Capstone courses for different disciplines
• Engineering students participating in a global health design challenge

What You Get

Facilitated Learning Package

For instructors teaching the material in an 80 minute session.

• Instructor Orientation Guide
• Lesson Plan for 80-minute class session
• Slide Deck with Facilitation Script, Annotations, and Supplemental Bibliography
• Student handouts
• Assessment Prompts
• References

Independent Learning Package

For learners to complete asynchronously.

• Instructor Orientation Guide
• Independent Learning Document with embedded activities and questions
• Student handout
• Assessment Prompts
• References