Beware of the cosmetic engineer

Article Abstract:

Computer-aided engineering has produced "cosmetic" engineers who worry about the appearance of what they design more than the substance. Cosmetic engineering creates professional-looking designs that are either insubstantial or not based on valid designs. The reason engineers produce cosmetic designs is that such designs make customers happy, make the engineers happy and are easier to produce than substantive designs. Good engineering requires effort and difficult tasks that may bore some engineers. Good engineering does include designing objects that look good, and cosmetic engineers are valuable for doing so. Appearance, however, is secondary to the technical part of the design. The problem is having cosmetic engineers working on the technical aspects of the design. The increase in cosmetic engineers is part of a larger trend in society toward packaging and using gimmicks to make money, and using packaging to hide incompetence rather than displaying confidence plainly.

Usage, Column, Computer-aided engineering, Computer aided engineering, Trends, Attitude, Critique

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Vannevar Bush on the engineer's role

Article Abstract:

Vannevar Bush, an engineer and science adviser to the former US president John Kennedy, emphasized the new role engineers have in modern society. Engineers have the unique ability to influence the public as manager, as educator, and as inventor. Engineering is a leading profession in the twentieth century. Vannevar Bush died in 1974, but his influence as a political advisor and innovator are felt today.

Social aspects, Biography, Engineers, Bush, Vannevar

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