KYAN SADEGHILARI
Kyan's Senior Design Portfolio
DESIGN APPROACH
AND PHILOSOPHY
Personal Problem Solving Method
Problem solving is a critical skill in the engineering field, and it is essential for an good engineer to be able to apply a consistent and structured approach in finding multiple solutions to the task at hand. This skill is something that is not acquired overnight, but rather developed through experience and trial and error in developing many ways in solving a problem. I’ve personally had the opportunity to work on a number of incredible project, collaborating with many different students throughout my time at the University at Buffalo. Not only do I enjoy showcasing my work, but also sharing details about the creative process behind each project I’ve worked on. However, different people have different ways off approaching a foreign project and finding the solutions to those problems. Through my experience, I’ve developed some key components and methodologies in the way I solve problems.
When approached with a problem, one of the first steps I take is to identify the type problem and finding what the problem actually is. Once I am able to identify what the problem actually is I then gather my sources to find what information I am actually given. In most cases, the information I am know isn’t sufficient and further research is needed for me to identify all information pertaining to the problem. Next, I try to replicate to create a mathematical model or sketch of the problem. This step is important for myself since I am a visual learner, I need to be able to see what is happening in the problem so that I may better understand and grasp the tasks at hand. Personally, I have a very methodical way of thinking which comes from my diligence and organizational skills. Due to this is prefer to divide the tasks up into manageable steps to find the solution. Creating this step-by-step process to the solution allows me to further visualize what I need to do in order find the solution. Moreover, once I’ve fully conceptualized the problem and have synthesized enough information to be able to understand the problem I try to visualize a solution from multiple angles and perspectives, which commonly ends up becoming a brainstorming session.  Furthermore, after these steps have been taken I attempt to implement the processes I feel will best solve the problem. With respect to physical designs, this takes the form of embodiment design, while for software, a pseudocode is implemented before translating into programming language. When I am satisfied with the multiple implementations I have attempted to satisfy the requirements, I work on optimizing the solution. This approach to tackling engineering problems is something that I’ve developed through the many assignments and homework’s I have worked on throughout my engineering career. Although it may be a more cautious and gradual approach, it does allow me to fully digest the problem, since I’ve always been a slow starter. My engineering career still isn’t over, and I have a lifetime ahead of me to further develop and tinker my problem solving skills.
OTHER PEOPLE'S APPROACH
In order to improve my design skills, it is important to take aspects of how other people approach a problem and incorporate it to my methodology. I asked several close friends and family and gave them a problem to see what their initial manner was to solving the task at hand.
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Problem: you find that there is a leak in the piping system where you live, how do you find where the cause of the leak and how do you fix it?
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By interviewing people from various backgrounds and ages, I can maximize my exposure to how diverse people find themselves solving problems.
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Michael, or my dad, is a current engineer and has had many years of experience in the field and is someone to look up to when trying to learn how to solve problems. My dad has influenced me in many ways in his problem solving techniques which is where most of my methodology in how to tackle problems has come from. Similar to me, he starts by researching and understanding the problem. When asked the problem, he stated to first try to identify the inputs and outputs of the system by taking a step back and analyzing, then researching what needs to be done to solve the leakage. Once identifying the cause of the leakage, he will then analyze the severity of it and take the appropriate measures through again researching and understanding of the situation. What I’ve learned from my dad is to always continue researching and seeking help from others through every step of the problem so that are always aware of the situation, in case of any sudden changes that may occur.
Michael Sadeghilari
"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have."
Maya Angelou
