Implementation of Effective Capstone Projects in Undergraduate Manufacturing Design Engineering Program

Final program projects (capstone course) in manufacturing design engineering technology at National University are intensive experiences in critical thinking and analysis, designed to broaden students’ perspectives and provide an opportunity for integration of coursework in the area of manufacturing design engineering. This paper focuses on three specific capstone projects that were worked on in an undergraduate manufacturing design engineering program. The projects include an office chair design, development of an improved balloon marker placement system for catheter manufacturing, and a modular motorcycle helmet design. This paper summarizes the design methodologies and strategies that were adopted by the students and faculty. In addition, this paper draws on the experiences gained from working on these projects to describe how a capstone project in manufacturing design engineering should be designed for maximum effectiveness. In this context, this paper presents a useful do’s and don’ts list.