Understanding How Engineers Think

An engineering brain

Most engineers have what is called “an engineering mindset” that allows them to view the world as a system with many interconnected and integrated subsystems that can be understood and improved upon. Acknowledging this unique perspective of how engineers think is the key to effectively connecting with them.

What is an Engineering Mindset?

Becoming an engineer today is not a simple endeavor. In contrast to a few decades ago, virtually all companies today require engineers to be formally trained and possess at least a Bachelor of Science degree. This means engineers, irrespective of discipline, have a vested interest in their chosen profession and expect to achieve some measure of success. Moreover, several years of sacrifice, study, and competition tend to make these professionals anxious to make their mark and separate themselves from their peers. Yet, they all have a similar mindset.

There are many opinions—too many to list here—about what exactly constitutes an engineering mindset. However, most of these attempts to define how engineer’s think find common ground around a few key principles or attributes.

ATTRIBUTES OF AN ENGINEERING MINDSET
Attribute	Description
Modular systems thinking	Modular design is a term often associated with software development, where the overall program or system is divided into distinct units or modules which communicate or transfer data with each other through inputs and outputs. This system structure can only be understood entirely through the integration of the modules. However, modules themselves can be designed and function independently. For example, an engineer can design an evaluation board that will operate with many larger systems without knowing what those specific systems are.
Ability to create or design within boundaries	As any manufacturer’s datasheet will show, all components function within constraints. However, the knowledge of these boundaries allows the engineer to optimize the utilization of that component for a specific application. The same is true for all engineering designs, whether circuit boards, appliances, or spacecraft.
Realization that there are always advantages and disadvantages	Another important concept that guides engineers is the truism that tradeoffs are inevitable. In almost all cases, comparable components or devices can be found where selecting one over the other requires accepting its disadvantages in lieu of an alternative’s advantages. Therefore, it is essential for engineers to be able to categorize or prioritize attributes to ensure the best choice for your design is chosen.
Being able to juggle multiple ideas simultaneously	When designing a circuit board or electronics system, engineers should be conscious of how their decisions impact all stages of the development process. Although good ECAD programs help engineers achieve this goal, this type of multitasking is an asset that most engineers leverage.

Understanding the importance of the attributes above, which encapsulate how engineers think, is essential to connecting with the electronics engineering audience.

The Importance of Knowing How Engineers Think

Perhaps more than most professionals, engineers are always interested in incorporating new ideas, strategies, and elements to improve performance, functionality, or capability. Therefore, this audience is highly receptive to introducing new components that will enable them to meet this objective. However, it is crucial that you engage engineers where they are. And, to do so effectively necessitates that you understand how engineers think.

As discussed above, engineers think structurally. That is, they tend to want to know how things work together to achieve an objective. Therefore, when communicating and/or interacting with them, it is best to follow the guidelines listed below.

Guidelines for Connecting With Engineers

Avoid superficial explanations
The quickest way to lose an engineer’s attention is to speak in superficial, unsubstantiated terms.

Do not patronize
Engineers want to be recognized for their expertise. However, most will not be impressed by hollow accolades.

Use logical connections
Engineers thrive on and expect to find logic and structure in all things. Therefore, you should connect the dots or make your case in a logical manner.

Support your claims with data, if possible
At their core, most engineers are scientists. And they place a premium on experimental results and verifiable data.

Know the lingo
A good way to ingratiate yourself with engineers is to demonstrate that you have some familiarity with common terminology used in their industry.

The list above provides sound tips for having meaningful interactions with engineers. This is invaluable for manufacturers when gaining their attention and establishing yourself as a knowledgeable, reliable resource with the components, reference designs and support pertinent to their success. Achieving this connection can translate into a long-term relationship with not only a user of your product, but perhaps a powerful advocate among other engineers.

Connections with engineers begin by being visible at the venues they rely upon for the tools they need to excel at their daily work processes. With over 100,000 engineer engagements every month, there is no other platform that gives you greater visibility with electronics engineers than UL.

Discover how Ultra Librarian helps manufacturers. With services and resources tailored to streamline CAD creation and amplify part downloads, Ultra Librarian empowers manufacturers to boost productivity and drive part downloads. By leveraging these tools, manufacturers can achieve greater success in today’s competitive market landscape.