Course Description

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Innovative Design for Engineering Applications (APPEL-IDEA)

Audience

This course is designed for NASA’s technical workforce, including systems engineers and project personnel involved in project teams or small projects.

Goal

This three-day course will introduce participants to tools and techniques that support innovative thinking. The course provides integrated in-class projects focusing on hardware design and system performance.

Learning Methods

An integrating example of the Wright Flyer of 1903 to the Apollo Lunar Lander enables the visualization of multidisciplinary teamwork during the early stages of the design process including discussion of previous breakthrough designs. Hands-on class exercises, lectures, videos, discussions, brainstorming and group exercises allow participants to apply techniques to specific design problems.

Specific Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe a short history of creative engineering solutions.
• Describe effective methods for communicating new ideas.
• Develop techniques for creative solutions and cost effectiveness.
• Identify tools for innovation.
• Apply innovative tools to existing NASA situations and challenges.
• Explain the creative design process (NASA practical).
• Describe current industry best practices and relate them to NASA scenarios.