Interdisciplinary Elements for Modern Engineering Solutions: The Sieve Diagram

Defining engineering can be a challenge, particularly because there are many interpretations and conceptions of what it truly is. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, engineering is “the application of science to the optimum conversion of the resources of nature to the uses of humankind.” However, I would add that engineering thrives due to natural curiosity, the drive to invent, and the need to solve problems.

As a child, I was driven by curiosity—wondering how airplanes fly, why skillets heat up, or how small toy engines spin after their wires are connected to batteries. Similarly, this curiosity must fuel individuals to seek knowledge, understand how things work, improve what exists, or invent new solutions. Engineering must evolve, as problems continually do.

Becoming an engineer and engaging in engineering is part of a larger process. Dall'Alba (2009) highlights that “what we seek to know, how we act, and who we are is directed by our commitment to becoming professionals.” Engineers should approach modern problems with the same mindset, considering new solutions and perspectives.

Here, instead of describing a generic Engineering Design Process model, I propose a Sieve Diagram to demonstrate how these interdisciplinary elements are interconnected. It emphasizes the need to align with global demands—not just in technical aspects, but also in human, ethical, and environmental considerations.

The Sieve Diagram and Engineering Elements

The Sieve Diagram represents all elements and restrictions relevant to problem-solving in engineering (see Figure 1). It doesn’t define a rigid framework, but rather illustrates the complex methodology involved in solving global issues that affect society and the environment.

While the diagram includes several elements, I place special importance on restrictions. These constraints define the feasibility of proposed solutions, and I consider four key factors: budget, resources, deadlines, and optimal solutions. Inspired by Koen’s work (2003), I’ve adapted his concepts to fit into my own model, taking into account practical project limitations.

Key Elements: Social and Cultural Impacts

Social impact (including ethical aspects) is crucial, as every project affects communities in both immediate and long-term ways. Weinberg (1966) noted that “social problems are much more complex than technological ones,” and this complexity remains today. Vinck (2003) further supports this idea, highlighting how social groups’ varying goals and behaviors add complexity to the design process. Cultural impact is also essential. As Witchalls (2012) suggests, cultural differences affect how people respond to solutions. Culture, like biology, comprises a system of interdependent variables, and recognizing this allows engineers to address problems more effectively.

Incorporating Art and Design Thinking

I also include work of art as a crucial element, highlighting that engineering should extend beyond technical functionality and inspire creativity and innovation. Art, when integrated with engineering, can lead to groundbreaking solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly efficient. A great example is the application of origami techniques in space development, where folding patterns have been used to design compact, deployable structures like solar panels and spacecraft components.

Design thinking also enhances this artistic process by integrating human-centered approaches with engineering principles. As Lawson and Dorst (2009) describe, design is multifaceted, requiring solutions to reflect multiple perspectives. Meinel and Leifer (2011) expand on this, explaining that design thinking draws from diverse fields—such as social sciences, business, and engineering—ensuring that human needs and creativity are central to problem-solving.

Technical and Environmental Considerations

While technical aspects are crucial for achieving optimal solutions, they often require ongoing research and refinement (Allen, 1966; Jonassen et al., 2006). However, technical precision alone is no longer sufficient in modern engineering. The rise of environmental concerns has introduced a new paradigm in problem-solving, where engineers must consider not only the functionality of their designs but also their broader impact on the planet. Fenner et al. (2006) emphasize the importance of balancing economic, social, and environmental factors in engineering solutions to minimize negative environmental effects.

Equally important is addressing the social dimensions of sustainability, as highlighted by Walton et al. (2005). For a solution to be truly sustainable, it must account for social realities, ensuring that it is equitable and inclusive. Indicators of sustainability must go beyond environmental metrics and consider how solutions impact communities, aiming for fairness and long-term societal benefits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my goal is not to replace the traditional engineering design process model, but rather to expand upon it by proposing the Sieve Diagram as a tool to explore the interdisciplinary factors that influence how engineers approach problem-solving. This diagram is meant to inspire deeper investigation into the interconnected elements—technical, human, dthica, social, and environmental—that shape modern engineering solutions.

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