Opinion | Why it is difficult for engineers to write a detailed project case: barriers and opportunities
Are you, my dear reader, already tired of boring technical reports?
Imagine: you, tired of endless tables and graphs, look at the next case, expecting to see something more than just a list of dry facts. But instead, you are presented with something colorless and uninteresting, like paint dissolved in water. This is what most cases look like, created by the hands of those very geniuses-engineers who can build a machine, rocket or car, but can not make an interesting story about them in the form of a case.
Why don’t you still read engineering cases
Sitting in the quiet of the lake, I realized that engineers are great problem solvers, but not great storytellers. They rarely know how to capture the reader’s attention, make him empathize, worry, and think. They just state the facts. But behind every project there is a story full of drama, reflections on optimal mechanics and intrigues of the best materials for construction. Fear of standing out from the crowd? Uncertainty? Or maybe it’s just the same incomprehensible circumstances as going beyond your swamp of reason?
Engineers with extensive knowledge and experience in their fields often face difficulties in writing detailed case studies about completed projects. The reasons for this phenomenon are diverse and include both objective factors and subjective experiences associated with the process of summing up the results of work. Let’s look at the main aspects that prevent engineers from fully revealing their achievements in writing.
Concerns about competition
Concerns about competition
One of the most significant reasons why engineers are slow to share details of their projects is the fear of unfair competition. Engineers may fear that competitors will take advantage of open data, which may threaten their professional reputation or financial position. This creates a barrier to open communication and exchange of experience.
Problems with economic analysis
Problems with economic analysis
One of the main difficulties is the need to analyze the economic efficiency of the project. Engineers can focus on technical issues, while losing sight of important financial indicators that are kept secret by the company’s management. To work on cases, they often need to collect data that is not always readily available. At this stage, it may be difficult to analyze costs, benefits, and other economic indicators, which makes the process of creating a case more time-consuming or impossible. Complexity of project impact assessment-engineers may not have a clear idea of how to assess the business impact of their work.
Data privacy policy
Data privacy policy
And now a little bit about romance — NDA signatures, which, like gentle guards of your soul connection, do not allow you to share odes about your projects. These are non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that are signed with customers. These documents protect the confidentiality of projects, which jeopardizes the ability to share details about completed work. It is precisely because of concerns about violating the terms of the NDA that many engineers cannot disclose all aspects of their projects, which makes the case incomplete and less visible.
Translation from Engineering to human, unwillingness to open up
Translation from Engineering to human, unwillingness to open up
Do you think engineers are creatures who live in a world of formulas and blueprints? You’re wrong! They are people just like you, with the same dreams, goals, and failures. But unlike you, they can do something incredible — turn ideas into reality.
Imagine, you are my friend, and your task is to explain to your grandmother what nuclear fusion is. Not so easy! So this is basically what writing a case is all about. It’s like taking steps on ice when you’re just getting ready for ballroom dancing in real life.
Lack of practical orientation. Many graduate projects remain within the framework of theoretical research, without turning into real cases with specific results. In higher education institutions that train engineers, the emphasis is traditionally placed on technical and theoretical aspects.
A typical graduate project of a manufacturing engineer, for example, consists of several sections, such as the development of the technological process for manufacturing a part, calculation and design of technological equipment, organization of the production site, feasibility study, as well as requirements for labor protection and the environment.
Engineers are used to using special terms and formulas, but for a non-technical audience, this approach will be incomprehensible. It takes a special talent to explain the essence of the project in an accessible way. It is important for engineers to remember that the real success of a case is not only in numbers and evidence, but also in the ability to tell a story. Emotions play a key role in the perception of information. Stories that are full of personal experiences and cultural codes can create a deep connection with your audience. Showing charisma, sincerity, and vulnerability will help engineers better communicate their ideas and show how their work affects other people’s lives. Tell us about your inspirations, difficulties, and lessons learned in the course of your work. Such details make the case more lively and human.
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Case studies, like a good book, require to be read.
Case studies, like a good book, require to be read. You, the talents of the engineering world, forget that a case should be a story with everything from the little — known to the touching. People want to see you smile when you’ve dealt with challenges.
So, you’re still here? It is wonderful!
Because I want you to remember that even if you are an engineer who carries the burden of formulas and calculations, you have a chance to turn it all into an engaging story. Open your heart, let your inner Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci speak. And remember — behind every failed project is a real drama, ready to be told.
While you are thrown into the bright days of engineering work, and PR conspirators with marketing plans flourish and get paid for the correct communication of information, know that it is your story of design and engineering work on a project that from time to time genuinely touches people and leaves them with emotions and memories.
By creating cases, engineers not only share their success stories, but also show how their work is changing the world. Each project is not just an achievement, but also an opportunity to reflect on your mission, your goals in life and how they can serve society. Give meaning to your activities, and your cases will become a vivid reflection of this meaning. Engineering is not only about technology, it is also an art that requires an emotional approach, understanding, and a willingness to express yourself.
Developing case writing skills is not just a matter of writing skills, it is an important step towards high-quality engineering and strategy. Engineers need not only to develop technological processes, but also to convey their importance to customers, colleagues and society. By approaching this issue with an open mind and a willingness to learn, you can overcome existing barriers and turn the complexity of writing cases into an opportunity for growth and development.
Mini case
Car Electric Winch
Have you ever held the angular, square joystick of a car electric winch in your hands? Yes, that’s the one. What was similar was the customer’s design, it reminded of how at the dawn of civilization people made tools from stone: a solid sheet of aluminum D16T, four parts, two hours to process. And all this for the sake of 180 grams of pure indescribable discomfort. Delicious, isn’t it?
These massive devices made of solid aluminum D16T were real relics, cost about 250 Belarusian rubles on the black market of milling services and reminded of the times when “ergonomics” was just a word that engineers uttered with bewilderment.
The inspiration came as soon as I had been practicing the wonders of 3D printing for a long time. One evening, when I was immersed like Archimedes in a bathtub, I cried out: “Eureka!” Why not use modern technology to improve our ingenious, but so inconvenient joystick? So the project “Modeling for 3D printing of the joystick control of a movie crane” was born.
The first step to transforming a weak monster into a convenient device was to study ergonomics.
The first step to transforming a weak monster into a convenient device was to study ergonomics. I have already imagined how this little masterpiece will fit comfortably in the hands of cameramen, invested with eternal responsibility for jewelry shots. In the course of experiments, several smooth models of plasticine were created, which fell into the hands of comrades. “What a beauty can come out of this seal of yours!” they thought with admiration, looking at the smooth shape of the masterpiece.
After we decided that our fingers should not be torn apart from the angularity, I moved on to creating a three-dimensional model. It was a creative search: and here it is, beautiful, streamlined and almost perfect.
3D printing: the magic of modern technology. Why am I so insistent about 3D printing? Because it cost us 30 Belarusian rubles apiece and gave us 30 masterpieces. Each of them could boast not only a high degree of detail, but also design accents: a yellow stripe and a company logo. And now our new joystick weighed only 40 grams. But then there was a small insidious problem: without the required weight of 60 grams, it literally flew out of your hands, like an ostrich trying to fly. We had to add a lead weight — and the design of our joystick got the right weight, so as not to fly into the sky.
The use of computer-aided design (CAD) systems was a real discovery for this project.
The use of computer-aided design (CAD) systems was a real discovery for this project. Working in accordance with the requirements of current ESKD standards allowed us to visualize details faster than assembling an IKEA table with instructions. Without too much hassle, I made changes to the model, checked the interfacing of components, and restarted the design process.
As a result, the company received not just a joystick, but a vivid testimony to the successful combination of innovation and creativity. This remote control has become an integral part of the CIS cinematic experience, providing the convenience and precision that was so lacking in our old, boxy friend.
So, dear fellow engineers, remember: even the most familiar things can become masterpieces if they are approached with a fair amount of creativity and modern technologies.
So, dear fellow engineers, remember: even the most familiar things can become masterpieces if they are approached with a fair amount of creativity and modern technologies. This case was a lesson on how to change an old idea and make it sparkle with new colors! Now the question is: what idea will you transform next?