How many tries does it take to create a workable prototype? What does a turtle have to do with whether you should hire an engineer consultant when designing a new product? Yvonne Ng of Engineers Playground, LLC and Troy Pongratz of Pongratz Engineering, LLC and LAB651, are married entrepreneurial, mechanical engineers. They join me in the studio to share who they are and their insights into the field of engineering (electrical, mechanical, and computer science) and product design. Download this episode.
Mentoring Tips
- Answer the following questions after listening:
- How many prototypes, roughly, does it take to produce a viable product?
- How does precision play a part?
- If you own a service oriented business, how many service scenarios have you gone through before rolling out a new service?
- What does a turtle have to do with whether you should hire an engineering consultant when designing a new product?
- Yvonne and Troy are both mechanical engineers. How are their skillsets different?
- What did you learn about how engineers approach the world?
- Before becoming an engineer, what other field did Yvonne explore? How did she choose mechanical engineering?
- What did Yvonne’s father think about her decision to become a mechanical engineer?
- What was Troy’s first interest? Who, in high school, suggested he become an engineer?
- How has Troy brought back one of his high school passions?
Product Design Perspectives from Two Engineers, Episode 76
Resources
- Engineer’s Playground, LLC engineersplayground.com
- LAB 651 lab651.com
- Pongratz Engineering, LLC pongratzengineering.com
Podcast Guest Mentor
Yvonne Ng, MSME. Yvonne is the founder and chief consultant of Engineers Playground. She is an engineering education specialist, consultant, and author who combines practical insights with creative approaches to training teachers and students and developing STEM curricula. In 2011, Yvonne founded Engineers Playground LLC to help make engineering accessible to a wider audience by nurturing and developing the lively curiosity and hands-on abilities that make children natural engineers. Her goal is to help inspire future generations of engineers and scientists, particularly at a time when STEM skills are in high demand.
Troy Pongratz. Troy leads the product design team at Lab 651 and owns Pongratz Engineering, LLC. He has been involved in product design for over 20 years in industries such as medical, consumer, and industrial products. His work has yielded multiple patents. An experienced consultant with both large and small companies, Troy brings a team approach to designing products and integrating new products in multiple disciplines. Troy and his team consider it their personal responsibility to support a product design from beginning to end to ensure its success in the marketplace.
Episode 76: Product Design Perspectives from Two Engineers
Author: Nancy A. Meyer, M.A.
Nancy A. Meyer, M.A., is a seasoned entrepreneurial leader, business and life mentor, podcaster, author, and certified mindfulness yoga and meditation integrator (she integrates those skill sets into everything). Nancy’s compassionate and collaborative approach reinforces resilience while maintaining accountable conversations supporting how you redefine your lead while redesigning your business. Nancy calls this “Dual Innovation Leadership.” Nancy founded WeMentor, inc. in 1992 to change the leadership in our country by providing emerging and existing business owners with mentoring in Dual Innovation Leadership. She has mentored thousands and is eager to work with you! Assert self-leadership and get started today! Clients say, “Nancy is a compelling, engaging, and ‘decipher the trees from the forest’ kind of mentor, speaker, and leader. A dedicated entrepreneurial leader and mentor who role models what she preaches. Her style and candor enrich the content she delivers and the results clients experience.” Nancy accepts people where they are while inspiring them to breakthrough into new dimensions: As an Entrepreneurial Leader (Innovator), As a Competent Business Owner (Practitioner) As a Mentor (Role Model) As a Spiritual Being and Self-Leadership Master! Start by subscribing to WeMentor Mondays with Nancy PODCAST. Join your peers and...
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