Simplification in engineering : contributing real value / M. Kleingeld

Abstract

Growing populations across the globe have ever-increasing needs for new products. These needs are addressed by engineers applying scientific knowledge to create new solutions. But engineering processes are not always successful. Engineers need to guard against focusing solely on the technical content of their work. They must simplify their processes, methodologies and products to ensure that their efforts contribute real value to society. This article explains how simplification can be used in the engineering process. It is shown how a simplified message can be used to motivate South African households to save energy. Another example illustrates how savings can be realised on intricate compressed air installations using simplifying assumptions.