University of Toronto, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

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Engineering Strategies & Practice (ESP)

FAQ for Project Clients

What is Engineering Strategies & Practice?

A description of ESP can be found here.

What are my obligations if I become a Project Client?

A list of obligations can be found here.

What kind of projects do the students work on?

Please refer to the Past Projects Section of the website.

What can I expect from the student design teams?

While it may not be possible for a student team to produce a completely finished product, they will be able to help you make substantial progress.  Clients have been pleased with the innovative ideas that teams produced and the head start they provided in specifying and implementing a final design.  A list of what you can expect from the teams is provided here.

How do I submit a project idea?

Please refer to our Become a Client section.

Are students prepared to deal with individuals or clients with special needs?

ESP students undergo sensitivity training and are able to deal with the special needs of your project.  Many of our previous projects involved assessibility issues and community service environments.

When does the project start?

The students are assigned to their project in late January and will be contacting their client shortly thereafter.  They work on the project until late March, culminating in a Conceptual Design Specification document and a Final Presentation that takes place in April.

What is the average time commitment for me?

We require the students to meet with the client three times; and while not mandatory, it is highly recommended that you attend the final presentation.   Meetings are scheduled around course assignments.  Meeting 1 should take place by early February, Meeting 2 by late February, and Meeting 3 by late March.  The final presentations take place in April.  The ESP office will arrange the presentation date/time.

Do the students have to visit me at my office?

No, you can schedule meetings to take place on campus if you would prefer.

Will I have to implement the design proposed by your student team?

You are under no obligation to implement the proposed design.  Our goal is to make sure that you, as a client, receive useful ideas and information for your design issues and that the students learn how to design a product or service.  However, we expect that you'll be pleased with the results and find them helpful as you pursue your project.

Do the students have to tour my facilities?

No.  However, a tour of the facilities may help the students comprehend and assess the requirements of your project, which could lead to a higher quality solution.


Quick Links

Contact Us
General Inquiries
esp@ecf.utoronto.ca
416-946-3406

Design Projects
Student design teams tackle real design problems for real clients at no cost to the client.  We are always looking for clients to propose projects.

Seminars
Volunteer Seminar Leaders facilitate student discussion of the technical, social, ethical, and/or political issues associated with a topic selected by the Seminar Leader.  We are always looking for volunteer Seminar Leaders.

Client Feedback Form
The Client Feedback Form is available for ESP clients to provide feedback on their client experience.

Engineering Strategies & Practice Office

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
35 St. George Street, Room 149
Toronto, ON M5S 1A4

Click here for full contact information.

About the Course
Project Clients
Seminar Leaders