Technology Interactions

1. Design is the process of creating things by planning. Engineers and the engineering design process have influenced most of our designed world. Technology Interactions

2. What Is Technology? • Technology is the use of knowledge to extend abilities, satisfy needs and wants, and solve problems. • The driving force in developing new technologies is human creativity. • Modern, complex technologies are the result of human creativity improving simple technologies.

3. The Development of Technology • Technology has developed over thousands of years. • Changes in technology often lead to changes in human society. • Agricultural technologies replaced hunting and gathering lifestyles. • The steam engine helped begin the Industrial Age. • Transistors and computers helped create the Information Age.

4. The Agricultural Age • The Agricultural Age began about 10,000 years ago. The economy was based on growing crops and raising livestock.

5. The Industrial Age • The Industrial Age began about 1750. The economy was based on manufacturing.

6. The Information Age • The Information Age began around 1850 and continues today. The economy is based on knowledge.

7. The Design Process • Identify a need or define the problem. • Gather information. • Develop possible solutions. • Model the solution. • Test and evaluate the solution. • Refine the solution. • Communicate your ideas.

8. Who Designs Solutions? • Engineers and the engineering design process have influenced most of the things that make up our human-made world.

9. “Classic” Engineers • Civil • Mechanical • Mining • Chemical • Electrical/electronic

10. The New Generation of Engineers • Manufacturing • Aerospace • Materials • Environmental • Computer