There are many software tools to aid in the design process. For the sake of exposition, we can organize these tools into categories
- Engineering Analysis
- Designing and Manufacturing Parts
- Business Analysis and Project Management
- Collaboration tools
First we'll list examples of tools in each category, and then we'll focus on tools for collaboration on teams.
NOTE: Listing software here is not an endorsement. I'm simply trying to bring the existence and potential utility of these tools to your attention. Software is a competitive business. New tools emerge. Old tools improve or in some cases fade away.
A MORE IMPORTANT NOTE: Good tools serve your process and help you become more productive. Like the basic tool you learned about in grade school, a good tool gives you leverage to amplify your effort. Many tools become time sinks that suck more energy than they liberate. Be wary of tools. Be wise in your use of them.
Engineering Analysis
- MATLAB, MathCAD, Excel for computing with formulas, analyzing data, and developing system level models
- Abaqus, ANSYS-FEA, and other finite element analysis tools for stress analysis in solids
- ANSYS-FLUENT, Star-CCM+, CFX, Flow-3D, OpenFOAM an other tools for computational fluid dynamics
- and many more specialized tools
Designing and Manufacturing Parts
- Solidworks, AutoCAD, Pro-E, Catia, Fusion3D for solid modeling and 2D Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- MasterCAM, Machmotion, CAMworks and other software for converting solid model files to tool-paths for CNC machining
- Slic3r, Cura, Simplify 3D and others for converting solid parts to gcode for 3D printers
Business Analysis and Project Management
- Excel for building homebrew models of most business process and design process tools
- Microsoft Project for setting up Gantt charts, tracking schedules and costs
- Basecamp, Workamajig, Zapty, Asana, and others for project management, file sharing
Note: New software tools for project management seem to appear frequently. They all promise to solve your team integration problems
Collaboration tools
Some of the software in the *Business and Analysis and Project Management category would naturally appear in this section also. The following tools are more lightweight or better suited to Capstone teams, as opposed to well-established companies.
- Google docs, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, Windows networking for using centralized servers for sharing files
- github https://github.com for version control and file sharing, especially for software and engineering design files
- Slack https://slack.com for team-based messaging
- Trello https://trello.com for sharing task lists
- Imagars Ecosystem for Learning and Team Design for an integrated software system to track files during the design process. (Windows only)
Slack
Slack is a free, cloud-based tools for sending messages in a group. Our MELT uses Slack to share information about projects, up-coming workshops and basic advice on making things.
Akshata Shanbhag offers some dated (2014) ideas for setting up Slack for project management.
Trello
Trello is a free, cloud-based tools for storing and sharing information across a team. It's also possible to manage personal projects. The software can be used for free, within limits. Buying a subscription allows you to use the software for larger and more complex projects.
A post at at WPcurve describes how Trello can be used for project management.
It is also possible to use Trello as a content management tool for building web sites.
Tools for Capstone Projects – Software Ecosystem
The Imagars Ecosystem for Learning and Team Design is an integrated software system to track files during the design process. It is available for Windows computers (only). The software is designed for Capstone teams, especially those working on large teams, e.g. Formula SAE, with a well-defined design process.