<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by dhaidinger:
A quick $.02 on how to deal with a design judge who criticizes your design. Show them test data regarding the decision you made! Every decision is a compromise. You will almost always get one judge who agrees with your theory and one who doesn't. The only way to please them both is to show them data that supports your decision. Many judges will even give you a significant amount of credit if you show them data that says your decision was in fact wrong, provided you have a good founded theory as to why you made the decision in the 1st place. (They will of course expect you to make the appropriate redesign next year)
If the judge still doesn't like your idea, they may start to question your data (uncertainty, calibration, statistical significance, constants/variables, etc). If you are prepared to answer these questions, you should be able to convince even the toughest of judges that you are at least "not wrong". </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
This statement should be required reading for all FSAE competitors! Donavan has it spot on. If you follow the above advice I would add that you have full grounds for invoking the judging moderation process should you still be dis-satisfied with your score.
Ian Murphy
Formula Student Design Judge