Teaching Experimental Design in 2.007

Principal Investigator
Prof. Daniel Frey, Mechanical Engineering
Fund: Alumni Class Funds
Funding Period: AY2013
Department/Lab/Center: Mechanical Engineering

We propose to undertake substantial changes in lectures and in one-on-one coaching within the course “2.007 – Design and Manufacturing I”. The focus will be on experimental design: the discipline of structuring a sequence of investigations (bench experiments and computer models) for the purpose of creating and refining a machine design. On this topic, there are presently major research efforts underway, especially at the Singapore-MIT International Design Center. This creates potential for a two-way flow of information and benefits – 2.007 can bring in new insights from research in experimental design, and researchers can benefit from exposure to the design processes of 2.007 students.