This is the first course in the Management Engineering capstone design series of courses. In this course, students complete four important stages of design: (1) problem finding through a thorough needs analysis, (2) problem formulation through formalized design requirements and specifications, (3) conceptual design through divergent and creative thinking, and (4) preliminary design in the form of a prototype. Independent student work is supported by instructor and guest lectures on design and project management, and structured through frequent design review meetings that provide ample instructor and peer feedback to each student team.[Core course in Management Engineering; Offered: Spring]