The method described in this paper was used for the first time in the 2009 senior project at [University] [3]. In 2008, before the introduction of the method, 6 of 13 senior projects were past the completion date by as much as 6 months because of various design issues related to the risk scores outlined. After the introduction of the method only 2 of 12 projects were past due for a month for minor issues. The method is currently being used in the 2010 senior projects.
Overall the technique is very valuable early in the design process. Students are able to identify issues and deal with them first. In the conceptual stage of the design students build prototypes and selected components to lower risk factors for design components. During the detailed design phase there were few problems and calls for major redesigns.