3.3 Revised Problem Statements

Question 1

How do design engineers formalize the new (and possibly evolving) understanding of a design project?

Answer 1

Engineers formalize the new (and possibly evolving) understanding of a design project by drafting a revised problem statement that reflects our fuller understanding of the design problem.

Question 2

Why are revised problem statements important?

Answer 2

The revised problem statement is an important communications tool. Revised problem statements often appear in public presentations and reports.

Question 3

Why must caution be exercised in discussions with the client or the public surrounding the revised problem statement?

Answer 3

Caution is imperative in discussions with the client or the public surrounding the revised problem statement, because in our desire to be as accurate as possible, we can be inadvertently insensitive to how our presentations can be perceived by others.

Question 4

Evaluate the following statements. Which statement is more appropriate?

1. “After we consulted the client and relevant experts, we adopted and used the following revised problem statement.”
2. “After fixing errors and eliminating our client’s bias, we revised the problem statement.”

Answer 4

Statement 1 exercises the appropriate tact and caution in discussions regarding the revised problem statement, reflecting a collaborative search for the best design solution.

1. “After we consulted the client and relevant experts, we adopted and used the following revised problem statement.”
2. “After fixing errors and eliminating our client’s bias, we revised the problem statement.”

Question 5

Evaluate the following statements. Which statement is likely to be perceived as insensitive or offensive?

1. “After we consulted the client and relevant experts, we adopted and used the following revised problem statement,”
2. “After fixing errors and eliminating our client’s bias, we revised the problem statement.”

Answer 5

Statement 2 is insensitive and offensive, suggesting that the client was careless or biased, which is almost certain to embarrass or annoy the client.

1. “After we consulted the client and relevant experts, we adopted and used the following revised problem statement.”
2. “After fixing errors and eliminating our client’s bias, we revised the problem statement.”