As a Ph.D. student, I frequently contemplate the question of identifying my specific field of study. Throughout my research projects, I have ventured into various disciplines, leaving me uncertain about where exactly my focus lies. However, after persistent self-reflection, particularly during my daily commute to school in a car, I have successfully defined my area of expertise: 'Data-driven Engineering Design'.
While this phrase comprises three significant keywords that could be considered fields in their own right, I will delve into further detail on how I have come to define this term by drawing inspiration from a popular Ph.D. meme.
Quite similar to this, I believe Data-driven engineering design can be described in this way.
In the vast realm of design, which encompasses diverse disciplines such as industrial design, graphic design, interior design, fashion design, and more, I define design as an artifact constructed to cater to the user's specific needs and preferences. Within this expansive domain, we find engineering design, which focuses on providing users with solutions rooted in engineering principles. With the advent of faster computing, precise and versatile physical simulations, and advanced manufacturing techniques, we are witnessing a seismic shift in the way engineering design is conceived and executed. Nowadays, we place greater reliance on data-driven decision-making in the design process, letting numerical insights guide our choices.
As I continue to write blog posts, drawing from academia and industry, as well as referencing my own research, I aim to offer a more comprehensive and lucid definition of 'Data-driven engineering design'. Through my writings, I will shed light on the current happenings in this field and explore its implications for both academia and industry.
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