BYU engineering seniors gain real-world experience in Capstone, guided by experienced engineers like Darrell Goff. He stresses that understanding user needs first is paramount, preventing wasted effort. Effective brainstorming, iterative design, and a resilient team dynamic are also crucial for success, ensuring students create innovative, user-focused solutions and prepare for future careers.
Flight! People have wondered about it since the beginning of time. Paul MacCready was one of those people deeply interested in flight. What follows is a story of Paul MacCready, and what we can learn from him in the engineering design process.
If you’re like me, you might find yourself yearning to be a better designer but not sure where to start! I’d like to share with you some mindsets and actionable exercises we can use to grow in our design strength.
Learn from Dr. David Parsi, a mechanical engineering Ph.D. from Brigham Young University, as he discusses his research on overcoming technical challenges in reconfigurable radio frequency instruments. He emphasizes core engineering principles such as intuition, strategic experimentation, and efficient research methodologies. Dr. Parsi's journey showcases how interdisciplinary training and a problem-solving mindset can lead to significant advancements.
Natural problems make your work challenging—and valuable. But many of the headaches in engineering and design come from mistakes we create ourselves. In this article, Dr. Chris Mattson shares how to spot and eliminate self-induced problems to work smarter, not harder.
BYU capstone students tackle complex challenges head-on, transforming theory into hands-on innovation, like building a compact noise-testing station for Varex Imaging. Author Amber Glorius interviews capstone coach Robert Cloward to explore how these projects build both skills and confidence.
From a door lock that flips tradition upside down to a pair of finger chopsticks for snacking while you work, Shark Tank is full of design inspiration. In this article, Blake takes a dive into some of the most important design lessons we can learn from Shark Tank.
Design inspiration can come from unexpected places—like a garden. This article looks at how the core principles behind garden design—unity, balance, contrast, and more—can be applied beyond landscaping to fields like engineering, product development, and user experience. By examining the purpose and planning behind well-known gardens, we uncover how thoughtful design rooted in nature can lead to more intentional, people-focused creations in any discipline.
Walter Isaacson’s Albert Einstein: His Life and Universe presents a nuanced portrait of Einstein, blending his scientific achievements with personal struggles and insights. Dr. John Salmon offers his insights to this must-read for those seeking inspiration from one of history’s greatest minds.
Imagine a world where designers and AI work hand in hand, pushing creative boundaries and optimizing workflows. That future is already here. AI is not a replacement for human ingenuity—it’s a tool that amplifies it, and those who master it will shape the next era of design.
We raided the engineering first aid kit to help one of our editorial board members deal with the stress of work and finals, but all we found were these memes. Happy April Fools Day from the BYU Design Review!
The mastery of Japanese wood joinery proves that Good Design is both functional and beautiful. With precise hand-carved joints, this technique has stood the test of time, influencing everything from furniture to architecture. Explore how these principles can transform the way we think about manufacturing and design!
Road construction is a hallmark of American road experiences – and it's not necessarily a cherished one. However, breakthroughs in nanotechnology hold promising possibilities to not only fix potholes but also reinforce infrastructure for decades to come. Dive into the design principles behind these concrete innovations in this brief discussion.
3? 3.14? 22/7? What is the best approximation of Pi? In this article, Dr. Chris Mattson explores this question and its implications to the world of design.
Women have driven groundbreaking advancements in engineering, from Stephanie Kwolek’s Kevlar to Ada Lovelace’s early programming concepts and Mary Jackson’s contributions to aerospace. This article celebrates their achievements and highlights the importance of diversity in STEM innovation.
Author Adam Rose explores two design lessons we can learn from the most prolific inventor in pop culture. From -Inator to -Inator, Dr. Doofenshmirtz showed us that engineering can solve problems and tell compelling stories.
Welcome to the fourth article in the Design for Manufacturing series! In this article, new BDR Editor Andrew Cousins shares a few insights into how you can integrate joining processes, specifically welding, into your next design project.
Not all leadership is by designated leaders. Learn to demonstrate grassroots leadership throughout your career using good character, integrity, effective communication, and collaborative problem solving.
One career that is open to designers and engineers lies in academia. Becoming a professor is no easy task, but Chris Mabey (a past BDR editor) has successfully taken this route. Read on to learn his path and some insights to how you can emulate this journey.
Learn how to design and craft your own piñata—a vibrant centerpiece for any gathering. Discover the rich history of this tradition, from its symbolic 7-point star to modern, fun designs. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a stunning piñata that’s sure to bring joy to your next celebration!
