Unit 1

More than Just Words

Engineering Communication

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Warm-Up · Discussion

Have you ever tried to use or build something complicated with instructions that didn't have pictures? How did that go?

Words vs. Pictures

Words Are Hard

We've seen how hard it is to explain how something works using only words. Even with well-written instructions, it's easy to miss a detail, misunderstand a step, or imagine the wrong part.

Words vs. Pictures
Diagram of a robot claw arm with three pull-strings labeled: string 1 raises the claw, string 2 rotates the arm, and string 3 closes the claw.

To operate the robot arm, begin by pulling the first string on the left side slowly to raise the claw. Then, once the claw is at the desired height, pull the second string to rotate the arm counterclockwise. After that, gently release the first string to lower the claw toward the object. To grip the object, pull the third string connected to the claw's closing mechanism. Be careful not to release the other strings too quickly, as this may cause the arm to shake or drop the object.

Which is better? Maybe neither?

Do both of these examples convey the same information to the user?

Pictures can help communicate complex information at a glance. They work especially well showing structure, shape, and relationships between parts. But a single image can't always show the order of steps or the nuanced actions involved in a process. That kind of detail is often more easily explained with words.

Visual Languages

A Visual Language of Symbols

Electrical Schematic Dimensioned Drawing Lighting Plot Isometric CAD Electrical schematic of a microcontroller board with labeled sections for the microcontroller, power regulation, connectivity headers, flash storage, I2C sensors, and USB port. Dimensioned mechanical drawing of a hose-to-camlock adapter, including a section view, a detail callout, and an isometric view with measurements. Theatrical lighting and rigging plot showing electrics, battens, and equipment positions labeled with location codes. Isometric CAD drawing of a machined bracket part with dimensions and hole callouts.

To help communicate specific details, different types of technical drawings use their own sets of symbols and conventions. Almost like a visual language.

Visual Languages

Lots of Languages

Other professions, for example bakers, use their own language: abbreviations for measurements, symbols for temperature, and specific words for techniques like folding or whisking.

In the same way, technical drawings use specialized symbols to quickly and clearly communicate important details. We'll be looking at many different types of technical drawings in this class and will learn to interpret each one.

Sketching

Quick Communications

Not every drawing needs to be a fully detailed technical drawing. Sometimes, a quick sketch is all it takes to share an idea, plan a solution, or explain how something works. Sketching is one of the fastest ways to think visually and collaborate with others.

Engineers don't need to be artists, but they do need to make clear, useful sketches that communicate shape, size, structure, and function, especially in the early stages of design.

Sketching

Tips for Sketching

Here are some tips that will help you create sketches to illustrate your point.

Sketching · Tip 1/6

Use the Whole Page

Larger sketches make it easier to show detail and add labels, so use the whole page instead of a cramped corner.

A dimensioned mechanical drawing that fills the entire page with detail, callouts, and multiple views.
Sketching · Tip 2/6

Start with Simple Shapes

Break objects down into boxes, circles, and lines before adding detail, the same way this horse starts as simple blocked-in shapes.

A finished line drawing of a horse above a version of the same horse blocked out with simple circles, boxes, and lines.
Sketching · Tip 3/6

Draw Lightly First

Use light lines to block out your sketch first. You can always erase or darken lines later.

A finished line drawing of a horse above a version of the same horse blocked out with light construction lines before the final outline was added.
Sketching · Tip 4/6

Keep It Neat and Readable

Careful spacing, alignment, and clear lettering make a sketch far more useful to the people reading it.

A detailed, neatly drawn pen sketch of a cluttered living room interior, showing bookshelves, furniture, and a rug drawn with clean, readable line work.
Sketching · Tip 5/6

Include Measurements If Known

Add estimates or exact values for length, width, and height whenever you know them.

Two hand-drawn floor plan sketches with handwritten measurements labeled along the walls, such as 5 feet 6 inches and 4 feet 6 inches clear.
Sketching · Tip 6/6

Sketch to Communicate, Not Impress

A sketch doesn't have to be beautiful, it just has to make sense to whoever reads it next.

A simple line-drawing sequence showing a lightbulb plus an alarm clock combining into a hand holding a sparkling diamond, representing an idea coming together.
Activity · Classroom Version

Disruptus

A quick-sketch creativity game

Activity

How to Play

I'll show you an image of an object, or two objects, and you'll be asked to do one of the following:

  1. 1
    Use it: imagine a new way this object could be used.
  2. 2
    Improve it: modify the object to make it more effective, efficient, or fun to use for its current purpose.
  3. 3
    Transform it: change the object in some way to solve a completely different problem.
  4. 4
    Combine it: merge two unrelated objects or ideas into a single new invention.
Sketch your innovation as clearly as you can. Give it a name, label its parts, and describe what it does and why it's useful.
Activity · Disruptus

Click to start the round

Click to draw your cards →

Time's Up!