The difference between the engineering design process and the reverse engineering process are there, but very subtle. The engineering design process is a process based on careful planning and months of designing to create a blueprint for a certain project. The reverse engineering process is the base of learning to create something by working backwards on a previously made inspiration for your project. Three differences are that that the engineering design process doesn't require any physical learning and is more based on mental and written learning (unlike the reverse engineering process). Another difference includes that in the reverse engineering process you don't need to take anything apart and learn how things work based on the on hands aspect of this variety of engineering. The final difference is that the engineering design project is made fresh from your own thoughts and not based off of a similar project.
The correct answer will explain that the engineering design process begins with a specific need, including the specifications and limitations of a design. If a current product or object does not match the need, then engineers will create a new design. The purpose of the engineering design process is to create or improve a design. Reverse engineering is more of an exploratory process, without the need to create a product that fits limitations and specifications. The reverse engineering process does not necessarily seek to improve a design so much as to understand the design. The key actions in this process include analyzing the structure and functions for the goal of recreating the same or similar functions. To determine which process to use, the engineer must identify his or her project goals.
