β2.1 Engineering Notebook Guide

Philosophy
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Introduction

The following are best practices and suggestions on how to organize and present your engineering notebook.

Sections

  • Title Page
  • Table of Contents
  • Chronological entries
  • References (list of reference sources)
  • Contacts (name, position, contact information)

Items to be included in the Engineering Notebook

  • Discovering the problem
  • Research
  • Sketches with labels and descriptions
  • Brainstorming
  • Market research results
  • Calculations
  • Your daily thoughts and ideas
  • Pictures
  • Expert input (names, positions, contact info, details of conversations)
  • Work session summaries
  • Decision matrices
  • Justification of design choices
  • Build procedures
  • Test procedures, results, and conclusions
  • Digital technical drawings
  • Design modifications
  • Reflections on your work and future plans
  • Contacts Section (name, position, contact information)
  • Reference Section (list of reference sources)

Best Practices

  • Use quad ruled paper.
  • Use a bound notebook.
  • Complete all work in pen.
  • Appropriately number, date, and sign (by the designer and a witness) all pages.
  • Leave no blank space (If there is extra space, draw an X across it).
  • If you make a mistake, draw a line through it and enter the correct information.
  • Cut and paste print-outs of digital files that you create or use as reference. Note the inclusion of the inserted work on the notebook page with a description and sign your name so that it extends across both the notebook page and inserted document.
  • Label all parts of sketches.
  • Include important dimensions.
  • Describe each sketch in detail.
  • Provide periodic progress entries.
    • Reflect on tasks accomplished, successes, and failures.
    • Reflect on future needs and tasks to be completed.