Through this course, I learned that the design process is rarely linear. At the beginning of the project, I saw design as a straightforward path from idea to final product, but this experience showed me that engineering design involves constant iteration, testing, communication, and refinement. Many of our early ideas looked promising on paper, but once we began building, testing, and meeting with the client, we had to adapt our approach. This taught me that good design is not just about finding a solution, but about being flexible and improving that solution based on real constraints.

From this course, I also learned that the most important attributes of an engineer are problem solving, communication, teamwork, and accountability. Technical knowledge is essential, but it is not enough on its own. An engineer must be able to work with others, explain ideas clearly, listen to feedback, and make decisions responsibly. I saw how important it is to balance technical performance with practical concerns such as safety, manufacturability, cost, and user needs.