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
Hi Justin, after reading your blog about the second presentation, I feel that you have made some good points. You mention in the blog that there are four factors that engineer needs to consider before making up a product.
ReplyDeleteFirst, you say about the technical challenges. I feel that as an engineer, you must produce products that is needed and in a high demand by the consumers. It is no point making a product for self-satisfaction. It must provide convenience and comfort to the consumers in order to prove its worth.
Second, the budget required by the company need to be controlled. Engineers need to consider projects that are within the budget of the company. It is no point trying to build a product and as a result having no money to pay for the materials needed for it. The products being produced must be worth the value and affordable by majority of the consumers.
Finally, political challenge is also a factor to consider. Engineers need to follow strictly the regulations being set by the government. For example, civil engineers need to ensure the safety regulations set by the government to prevent incidents like hotel 101 and nicoll highway.
In conclusion, engineers in the modern days must consider other aspects of issues in this society. It is no longer like the past where engineers only consider him or her job scope.