I can distinguish requirements, criteria, and constraints and write measurable verification statements.
POE Unit 5 • Lesson 5.3
Requirements, Criteria, and Constraints
Focus question: How can a mission problem become measurable engineering requirements, success criteria, and design constraints?
Mission Briefing
Today’s Plan
A focused sequence that advances the capstone without creating unnecessary documentation.
Opening promptConcept modelGuided workInteractive applicationEvidence checkExit ticket
Lesson Targets
What You Will Be Able to Do
Capstone requirements and verification table
Each requirement is testable, each criterion has a target, and each constraint states a real limit.
Activity Flow
How the Lesson Moves
Each step produces a decision, artifact, or test result needed for the capstone.
1. Translate stakeholder needs
Convert needs into functions the system must perform.
2. Define measurable success
Assign targets, tolerances, and verification methods.
3. Identify limits
Document safety, time, material, size, and budget constraints.
Lesson Interactive
Classify the Design Statements
Apply the lesson concept to a capstone aerospace-systems scenario. Use the feedback to correct your reasoning before completing the main deliverable.
Design Statements
- The system shall transport inspection equipment between work zones.
- The system shall complete the route in 90 seconds or less.
- The system must fit within a 450 mm × 450 mm footprint.
Remember: A measurable criterion includes a quantity, condition, or pass/fail threshold.
Classify each statement by its role in the design specification.
Today’s Work
Main Deliverable
Capstone requirements and verification table
Create one focused engineering artifact that demonstrates today’s capstone progress.
- Write at least four testable requirements with measurable criteria.
- List at least three constraints and a verification method for every requirement.
Exit Ticket
Capstone Debrief
State the most important engineering decision your team made today.
Name the evidence, requirement, interface, or risk that supports that decision.
Identify the next action and the person responsible for completing it.
Resources
Lesson Resources
Lesson 5.3 PowerPoint
Use the presentation to review the lesson concepts, examples, and activity directions.
Principles of Engineering
Return to the POE course hub for units, resources, certifications, and course information.
Aerospace Systems Capstone
Return to Unit 5 to review the capstone sequence, deliverables, and project challenges.