EG 1471 Lecture

Hi fellow EG1471 classmates,

On this Friday, I had attended the EG 1471 Lecture held in LT 7 from 6pm to 8pm. I was informed that there will be three speakers for the lecture and that I had to choose one of the three topics that interests me.

The topic on using the Using the Social Science System approach to explain the non technical adoption of electric vehicles had caught my attention as it was presented by a non engineering speaker. The topic shows me the considerations that I have to take into account during the process of designing a new product. The subtopics that were more elaborated by the speaker were on technical, economic, social and political challenges for the electric vehicles.

Firstly on the technical challenges, the electric vehicles were fitted with wooden tires and to drive on rough terrain suggests to me that travelling on electrical vehicles could be an unpleasant and uncomfortable one.

Secondly on the economic challenges, as the consumers at that time have other cheaper alternative modes of transportation available. The reason was that electric vehicles were expensive to own and most families would share cost to buy one. This reason is related to the next point on social challenges, where it is important to have one’s piracy when owning a car, this is not only applicable in the past but also in the present world.

Lastly on the Political Challenges, during World War I, there was shortage of coals which leads to lack of electricity supply. The supply vehicles had to be rugged and be driven for far distances this proves that the electric vehicle was not a good option for aiding in the war.

In conclusion, the social science system is especially useful during brainstorming. This example of electric vehicle tells me to take a big step back and look at the present world with a bigger perspective and shown me the importance to set out specific guidelines for new design ideas, so that it can be accepted in every way.

Written By: Chen Yan Yu

view on the lecture.

I will like to express my thoughts towards the second presentation in last Friday EG1471 lecture. The lecturer has shown lots of interesting points in how engineers can contribute to economic sectors. It is interesting and precise. The best part is showing how electric cars were being rejected by many people in the past due to it cost of running it and building it.
I think it is very important for an engineer to know the needs of the consumer. This is because when there is demand, there will be supply. Engineers must also dare to dream about the products that they want to have. Beside that, engineers must also act as a role as a designer, a business man and a scientist.
As a designer, engineers need to consider whether the architect design can be done. This is because there may be some safety regulations to look out for and whether the possibility of carrying out. As a result, we will need to modify the design.
Engineers will also need to be business-orientated. This is because they need to consider whether the cost of the projects is bearable for their company. They also need to calculate the profits it brings to the company.
Engineers will be required to act like a scientist. This is because we are the ones who make products based on their theory and research they carry out. We will need to know the theory behind it. We also carry out the experiments like them to ensure safety. In conclusion, there is a range of profession to be in as an engineer.

Done by:Ng jun jie