I can research mechanism options and use a decision matrix to justify a concept direction.
POE Unit 1 • Lesson 1.13
Research, Criteria, Constraints, and Decision Matrix
Focus question: How can research and a decision matrix justify a mechanism concept?
Mission Briefing
Today’s Plan
A focused lesson sequence that builds toward the VEX Rover Mechanisms Challenge.
Opening promptConcept voteAerospace linkCompare optionsEvidence challengeQuick checkExit ticket
Lesson Targets
What You Will Be Able to Do
Research notes and decision matrix
Research evidence informs the criteria and scores, weights reflect mission priorities, and the selected concept has the strongest justified total.
Activity Flow
How the Lesson Moves
This page highlights the lesson elements you need for practice, evidence, and submission.
1. Research mechanism options
Collect relevant examples, equations, component limits, and failure considerations.
2. Build the matrix
Weight criteria and score each concept using a consistent scale.
3. Check sensitivity
Determine whether a small weight or score change would alter the decision.
Lesson Interactive
Run a Weighted Concept Decision
Adjust criterion weights, review the fixed evidence-based scores, and select the concept with the highest weighted total.
Weights and Scores
| Concept | Lift | Speed | Simplicity | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A: Fast gear train | 4 | 5 | 2 | |
| B: Compound reduction | 5 | 3 | 4 | |
| C: Pulley lift | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Select the Recommended Concept
Weighted total = sum of each score × criterion weight.
Today’s Work
Main Deliverable
Research Notes and Weighted Decision Matrix
Compare at least three mechanism concepts using mission-focused evidence.
- Cite the evidence used to define scores and criterion weights.
- Select one concept and explain the strongest advantage and most important risk.
Exit Ticket
Mission Debrief
One way today’s lesson connects to an aerospace mechanism or VEX rover system.
One type of evidence you could use to support a design decision.
One question you still have about mechanisms, energy, power, or the Unit 1 challenge.
Resources
Lesson Resources
Principles of Engineering
Return to the POE course hub for units, resources, certifications, and current course information.
VEX Rover Mechanisms Challenge
Use this unit project context when connecting the lesson to mechanism planning, testing, and design review evidence.