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Copyright, Elsevier, 2015
Chapter 22 Exercises
Note: There are no unique solutions to many of these exercises.
Brainstorming
Group brainstorming is effective at generating ideas for solving complex problems. But
individual brainstorming is very effective when you need to solve a simple problem, generate a
list of ideas, or focus on a broad issue. An effective way for an individual to brainstorm is to
write the problem you are trying to solve on a piece of paper and draw a circle around it. Then
draw lines out from this circle and label each line with a way to solve the problem1. Use this
technique in the brainstorming problems below.
1) Brainstorm a list of ways you can get to class each day. Don’t be afraid to include methods
that don’t seem currently plausible (e.g., teleportation) since that may trigger other ideas for
you.
2) Brainstorm a list of ways to study for an exam. Include when, what, where, and how long to
study.
3) Brainstorm ways to get an A in this course.
4) Brainstorm ways to create world peace.
5) Brainstorm ways to reduce global warming.
Concept Sketching
6) Sketch a bicycle and label all its components (wheels, frame, etc.).
7) Sketch your cell phone and label its operating functions (on/off button, etc.).
8) Sketch you shoe and label all its parts (heel, sole, etc.).
9) Sketch your concept of a space ship and label its components.
10) Sketch a battery powered wheel chair and label all the parts.
Functional Decomposition
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11) You are designing an electric footstool. It must have an electric heater, move easily on
the floor, and have remotely controlled height. Draw a functional decomposition diagram
like the one shown in Figure 22.5 for your footstool.
12) You want to design a hot dog stand for a street vendor. Decide what the stand must be
able to do (e.g., heat water, store condiments, buns and wieners, etc.) and prepare a
functional decomposition diagram like the one shown in Figure 22.5 for your design.
13) Examine the toaster in your home and determine all its components. Then draw a
functional decomposition diagram like the one shown in Figure 22.5 for the toaster.
14) Examine a coffee maker at home or in a department store. Then draw a functional
decomposition diagram like the one shown in Figure 22.5 for the coffee maker.
15) You are to design a small robot that will climb a vertical wall. Determine all the sub–
functions required of the robot and draw a functional decomposition diagram like the one
shown in Figure 22.5 for the robot.