Space is a valuable resource for engineering design, whether it is physical or digital. Optimizing space can help you improve your productivity, creativity, and efficiency, as well as reduce costs, waste, and errors. In this article, you will learn some practical tips and tools to optimize space for engineering design.
The first step to optimize space is to assess your current and future needs for engineering design. What are the goals, constraints, and requirements of your projects? How much space do you need for your equipment, materials, and team members? How do you use your space for different tasks, such as brainstorming, prototyping, testing, and documentation? How can you measure and track your space usage and performance? By answering these questions, you can identify the gaps and opportunities to optimize your space.
Two key thoughts when designing a space. What limitations exist within the space that you can not change, and what needs and desires do you have for that space.
The second step to optimize space is to apply some design principles that can help you organize, simplify, and enhance your space. For example, you can use the 5S method, which stands for sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain. This method helps you eliminate unnecessary items, arrange your space efficiently, keep it clean and tidy, follow consistent rules and procedures, and maintain regular audits and improvements. Another example is the lean design principle, which focuses on minimizing waste and maximizing value. This principle helps you reduce overproduction, inventory, motion, waiting, defects, over-processing, and transportation in your space.
Make sure that you apply design principles that support YOUR way of interacting with the space. For example my daughter has ADHD and can't find something if she can't see it. So she doesn't like drawers. I on the other hand love to store things behind closed doors. Therefore our offices look nothing alike. And that is before we even start to discuss color and style.
The third step to optimize space is to use digital tools that can help you create, manage, and share your space virtually. For example, you can use CAD software, which stands for computer-aided design. This software helps you design, model, and simulate your space in 2D or 3D, as well as edit, modify, and export your files. Another example is the BIM software, which stands for building information modeling. This software helps you integrate your space with data, such as geometry, materials, costs, and schedules, as well as collaborate with other stakeholders. Digital tools can help you save time, money, and resources, as well as improve your quality and accuracy.
it’s also valuable to consider the integration of AI and machine learning technologies. These can further enhance the design process by automating tasks, predicting potential issues before they arise, and offering optimised solutions based on vast datasets. For instance, AI can simulate countless design variations to find the most space-efficient option without compromising functionality or safety. By leveraging these technologies, engineers can not only improve accuracy and efficiency but also innovate in creating more sustainable and adaptable spaces.
Digital tools are amazing. But don't be afraid of pen and paper. Sometimes the best way to check how something is going to work is to draw it to scale on graph paper. Old fashioned but fast and efficient.
The fourth step to optimize space is to consider ergonomics, which is the science of designing your space to fit your human needs and capabilities. Ergonomics can help you improve your health, safety, and comfort, as well as reduce fatigue, stress, and injuries. For example, you can adjust your furniture, lighting, temperature, and noise levels to suit your preferences and tasks. You can also follow some best practices, such as taking breaks, stretching, and changing positions frequently. Ergonomics can help you boost your morale, motivation, and performance.
The fifth step to optimize space is to seek feedback from your team members, clients, and users. Feedback can help you evaluate your space from different perspectives, identify the strengths and weaknesses of your space, and generate new ideas and solutions to improve your space. For example, you can use surveys, interviews, observations, or tests to collect feedback. You can also use the PDCA cycle, which stands for plan, do, check, and act. This cycle helps you plan your space optimization, implement your changes, check your results, and act on your findings.
The sixth and final step to optimize space is to keep learning from your experience, research, and inspiration. Learning can help you update your knowledge, skills, and tools, as well as discover new trends, innovations, and opportunities to optimize your space. For example, you can read books, articles, blogs, or podcasts on engineering design and space optimization. You can also attend webinars, workshops, courses, or conferences on the same topics. Learning can help you stay curious, creative, and competitive.