Mini Design Task – Group Coursework (Bonus Marks)
1. Aim of the Task
Congratulations – you’ve just been “hired” as junior design engineers at a
top car company (Aston Martin, BMW, Mercedes, Ferrari… you choose!).
Your team has been asked to work on an important part of their new car.
The company wants you to:
Design a realistic component or system for the car,
Show that your design is safe and sensible using basic
calculations, and
Present your idea clearly, like real engineers in industry.
You are free to choose the company and the car type (sports car, EV,
SUV, Formula Student–style car, etc.), as long as your design is linked to
topics we studied this year.
2. Task Description
In a group of four students, choose one system or component
from the car. For example:
A suspension link / wishbone
A steering arm / bracket / upright
A pedal box or brake pedal
Or any other sensible automotive component
1. Select a system or component
o Choose any system/component that relates to material
studied on the module (but you are free to choose anything
else as well).
o Clearly state the design purpose (what it does and where it is
used).
2. Develop a CAD model
o Create a 3D CAD model of your design (e.g. SolidWorks,
CATIA, Fusion 360, etc.).
o The model should be clean, fully constrained, and
dimensioned appropriately.
o Include any key features that are important for function
(holes, fillets, mounting faces, etc.).
3. Perform basic engineering calculations
o Include simple, relevant calculations to justify your design
(for example:
basic stress estimate,
simple loading diagram and reaction forces,
factor of safety estimate,
simple deflection or geometry-based calculation).
o You are not expected to do a full FEA analysis, but you may
include it if you wish.
4. Write a short group report (max. 1,000 words)
The report should include:
o Title and group members.
o Introduction & system description – what you designed
and why (context, function).
o Design approach – how you decided the main dimensions
and geometry.
o Summary of CAD model – key features, overall dimensions,
and constraints.
o Engineering calculations – clearly presented, with units and
brief explanations.
o Individual roles – a short subsection where each student
briefly explains their contribution (e.g. CAD modelling,
calculations, research, report writing, presentation slides,
etc.).
o Conclusion – a short summary of what you achieved and any
limitations.
Report limit: Maximum 1,000 words (excluding figures, tables, and
references).
5. Prepare a short group presentation
o Length: approximately 5–7 minutes per group.
o Include:
Design motivation and chosen system.
Screenshots/views of your CAD model.
Key calculations (headline results only).
Who did what in the group.
o Each group member should speak briefly (at least 1 slide
each).
6. Submit CAD files
o Include your native CAD files and, if possible, a neutral
format (e.g. STEP/IGES).
o Ensure files are named clearly with group number and
component name.
3. Deliverables
You must submit:
1. Group Report (PDF) – max. 1,000 words.
2. CAD Files – native + STEP/IGES if possible.
3. Presentation Slides (PowerPoint/PDF).
4. Marking Criteria (100%)
You will be marked mainly as a group, but your individual roles
and presentation will also be considered.
1. Creativity & Technical Quality of Design (25%)
Clear choice of car, brand and component.
Design looks realistic and automotive.
Good use of CAD features; sensible dimensions and
geometry.
Some originality or innovation in the design (shape, layout,
ideas).
2. CAD Model Quality (25%)
3D model is clean, complete and correctly constrained.
Appropriate use of features (fillets, cuts, holes, patterns,
etc.).
Screenshots are clear and support the report and
presentation.
3. Engineering Calculations & Justification (25%)
Calculations are relevant, readable and mostly correct.
Loads and assumptions are explained.
Clear link between calculations and the final design (e.g.
“We chose X mm thickness to keep stress below Y MPa with
a factor of safety of Z.”).
4. Report & Presentation (15%)
Report is well-structured, within the word limit, and easy to
follow.
Good use of figures and images (captioned and referred to
in the text).
Presentation is clear, well-timed, and visually engaging.
Each team member presents a part of the work.
5. Teamwork & Individual Contribution (10%)
Each member’s role is clearly explained in the report.
Everyone contributes to design, CAD, calculations and/or
communication.
The final work feels like one joined-up project, not four
separate pieces.