Design Proposal Template
WT Research Science Design Proposal
Project Abstract: An abstract is like a summary of the remainder of the document, but listed first. The function of the summary is to provide brief information that will either entice the reader to continue with the rest of the proposal, or decide to stop reading it. Consider it the trailer for the movie.**1 to 2 paragraphs ~½ page**
Background and Significance: The background has both major purposes and minor purposes. The primary purposes are: 1) To give the reviewer enough information that he/she can understand what will follow. 2) To establish in detail the importance of the problem 3) To show that there is a need to solve the problem. 4) To demonstrate that the problem has not yet been solved. 5) To show that the direction you propose is the next logical step in the evolution of the solution. The minor purposes are to 1) To demonstrate a high likelihood of the project working and 2) To demonstrate that you are knowledgeable about the subject. Generally you do not show that you have expertise by adding irrelevant information in this section. Rather you show your understanding through a cohesive argument that addresses the primary purposes. When this is done, the reviewer will be convinced of your competency. Think carefully about what information is and is not needed. If you are designing a new total knee replacement, for example, it is appropriate to list for the reviewer several reasons why people need knee replacements and give figures as to the prevalence of each one. If your project addresses a specific disease that requires a specific type of replacement, you will need to explain what is different about that disease and what the problems are. However, it is not appropriate to give a complete description about the pathological processes involved in each knee-degenerating disease. Sources should be cited with endnotes. Under the major heading of Background and Significance you should use the following sub-headings: **each section could contain multiple paragraphs ~2-4 pages**
- General Background - Gives statistics, facts and figures that frames the overall current landscape that has led to the need to solve the problem.
- Overall Need - Narrows the background information to a specific subset, group, condition, symptom etc.
- Current Status- Current methods, or lack-there-of, addressing this specific need. Highlight pros and cons of selected methods.
- Problem to be Solved - Should flow into this last section where you highlight the problem you will be solving.
Design Objectives: Describe the goal of the design, how it should function and and suggested method(s) of constructing it. Pictures of products that inspired you should be highlighted here (and also referenced), including a summary of aspects you want to keep and change. Sketches of initial designs for your product should be included and described. When possible, list alternatives. Lasty, suggest methods of testing/verifying the efficacy of your design. **Varies in length with number and size of pictures**
Challenges and Concerns: Provide a list of foreseeable challenges and concerns that you could encounter throughout this process. Suggest local organizations or professions that we could seek out through City as Our Campus to help address these concerns. **paragraph per challenge/concern~½ to 1 page**
Deliverables: In this section, you list out the expected project deliverables (results or outcomes) such as a product, detailed design documents (i.e. your research blog), a final report or presentation, publications, etc. The success of the project depends on producing these deliverables and the project team will be responsible for the same. Each deliverable should have a brief description.**1-2 pages, could be numbered or bulleted**
**adapted from a variety of college/professional engineering and design proposal templates from the US and abroad**
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