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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/eng-design-process-iterative

Why is engineering design usually iterative rather than a straight line?

Evaluation reveals new constraints and needed revisions.

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  1. Codes require exactly three prototypes
  2. Designs are refined against evidence ✔
  3. Early concepts are always rejected

Why: Engineers compare concepts with requirements, constraints, risks, and stakeholder needs. When analysis or testing exposes a mismatch, they revise the design and repeat the cycle.

Huh, didn't know that: NASA describes system design processes as interdependent, iterative, and recursive.

The dad joke
The design process came full circle, then improved the circle.
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References

Answer: Designs are refined against evidence. Engineers compare concepts with requirements, constraints, risks, and stakeholder needs. When analysis or testing exposes a mismatch, they revise the design and repeat the cycle.

  1. NASA Systems Engineering Handbook, System Design Processes www.nasa.gov/reference/4-0-system-design-processes
    The system design processes are interdependent, highly iterative and recursive processes
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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