What is the function of an engineering notebook?

The function of an engineering notebook primarily serves as a chronological record of work associated with a design project. This documentation is crucial as it provides a detailed account of the design process, including sketches, notes, calculations, and any changes made throughout the project. By maintaining this record, engineers ensure that the development process can be traced and referenced later, which is essential for both accountability and intellectual property rights. The chronological aspect allows for a clear understanding of the progression of ideas and decisions that shaped the final design, which can be beneficial for both current and future projects.

While creating a plan for the design, summarizing research methods, and generating prototype ideas are important phases of the engineering design process, they do not capture the primary purpose of the engineering notebook. The notebook's distinct goal is to chronicle the journey of the design project from inception to completion, providing an organized and comprehensive view of all efforts, which helps in evaluating the project and learning from it over time.