How can you research existing technologies?

1 Define your problem and scope

Before you start searching for existing technologies, you need to have a clear and specific problem statement and scope for your project. This will help you narrow down your research focus and avoid getting overwhelmed by irrelevant or outdated information. A problem statement should describe the need, the context, and the criteria for a successful solution. A scope should define the boundaries, constraints, and assumptions of your project.

2 Use multiple sources and platforms

To get a comprehensive and diverse view of existing technologies, you should use multiple sources and platforms for your research. These may include academic journals, patents, industry reports, online databases, websites, blogs, podcasts, videos, social media, and more. Each source and platform has its own advantages and limitations, so you should compare and contrast them to verify and validate your findings. You should also cite your sources properly and keep track of your references.

3 Evaluate the quality and relevance of information

Not all information is created equal. Some sources may be more reliable, credible, and authoritative than others. Some information may be more relevant, current, and useful for your project than others. To evaluate the quality and relevance of information, you should apply some criteria such as accuracy, timeliness, bias, purpose, scope, and audience. You should also check the credentials, reputation, and affiliation of the authors, publishers, and sponsors of the information.

4 Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of existing technologies

Once you have gathered and evaluated the information, you should analyze the strengths and weaknesses of existing technologies in relation to your problem and scope. You should look for the features, functions, benefits, drawbacks, costs, risks, and impacts of each technology. You should also identify the gaps, opportunities, and challenges that exist in the current state of the art. This will help you generate ideas and insights for your own design solution.

5 Organize and synthesize your findings

After you have analyzed the existing technologies, you should organize and synthesize your findings in a way that helps you communicate and document your research. You may use different tools and techniques such as tables, charts, diagrams, maps, summaries, reports, presentations, or portfolios to present your findings. You should also highlight the key points, trends, patterns, and implications of your research. You should also reflect on your research process and outcomes and identify any limitations or areas for improvement.

6 Update and revisit your research

Research is not a one-time activity. As you progress in your engineering design process, you may need to update and revisit your research to incorporate new information, feedback, or changes in your problem and scope. You should also monitor the developments and innovations in your field and keep track of the latest technologies. This will help you stay informed and relevant and improve your design solution.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?