Mechanical design workflow According to standard engineering process, what is the first step the design team should take before generating concepts, models, or drawings?

Introduction / Context:
A robust design process begins with a clear understanding of the need. Defining the problem sets boundaries, metrics, and constraints that keep later work aligned with the customer's goals and the product's functional requirements.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Projects must meet performance, cost, and schedule constraints.
• Teams risk wasted effort if requirements are unclear.
• Downstream tasks (concepts, sketches, CAD) rely on a solid problem statement.

Concept / Approach:
Problem identification captures stakeholder needs, functional requirements, constraints, and success criteria. Only after this step should brainstorming, sketching, budgeting, prototyping, and detailed drafting occur, ensuring that solutions map to the right target.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Validate the problem statement with stakeholders; confirm that proposed metrics (for example, mass, stiffness, lifecycle cost) will indicate success.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Brainstorm solutions / rough sketches: Premature without a defined target; risk solving the wrong problem.
• Prepare a budget: Important, but it follows scope definition.

Common Pitfalls:
Jumping to CAD or purchasing decisions before the problem is agreed upon leads to rework and scope creep.

Final Answer:
identify the problem