INFORMATION COLLECTION

by Donald F. Elger

During most all design projects, a good engineer will review the technical literature and gather other useful information.  Then the engineer will learn this material and apply it to the problem of interest.

Relevance 

Increase quality of work, while avoiding a "reinvention of the wheel."  Good information collection will make a substantial impact on a project.

The Process of Information Collection

Set a goal. Decide on what information is desired.  Select an amount of time that balances the benefits to the project with the amount of time spent.

Prepare a plan. Develop a list of potential sources.  Prioritize this list based on ease of use and quality of information.  

Take action.  Gather the information.  Good record keeping (journaling, keeping web pages organized, etc.) is often quite valuable.