Question: what do you mean by turning ideas into the real worl

Stephanie Tomlinson answered on 12 Mar 2012:

In simple terms:

A problem: i need to move a man from the ground floor to the roof

Ideas are: 1) build a scaffold staircase for him to walk up, 2) build a permanent staircase for him to walk up 3) build a lift 4) build an escalator 5) use a catapult 6) give the man a jet pack 7) get the man to climb up using ropes

Constraints/specifications are: 1) the installation needs to be permanent 2) there is only 2m x 2m square space available 3) the man is in a wheelchair 4) the man has to arrive at the top without any injuries 5) there is a fixed amount of money available

The best idea = the solution : build a lift

In order to turn this idea into something that works in the real world, someone needs to design the lift and ensure it fits in the space available, does not cost too much and will meet all the requirements. Once the lift has been designed someone needs to make all the bits and assemble them. The lift then needs to be installed and tested. As an engineer I would organise for all this to happen.

When you have finished all that and the man in the wheelchair can get from the ground floor to the roof using the lift – the solution has successfully turned from an idea into something that works in the real world. It is something physical and real – you can use it.

Hope that makes it clearer!