The engineering notebook, while optional, should reflect the team's personality and branding 2. It should cover what needs to be included and decisions about its overall structure and individual sections 1.

Key elements to include in the notebook are:

• Building Section and Documenting the Robot This section should explain how the robot fulfills the challenge and the driving factors behind its construction 4. It should contain information about parts and materials, pictures of every mechanism with captions, and explanations of components to illustrate design thought processes 4. Graphics such as CAD screenshots or real-world photos are generally preferred over high-quality renders, and each graphic must have a caption or explanation 4. Math should be used in explanations to target the Think award 4. The notebook should tell the story of the team's progression from brainstorming and idea conception to prototyping and final design, documenting each iteration and step in the engineering design process 4. Important questions to address include:
• What prompted this change/why was this change made? 4
• What was the change? 4
• How was the modification enacted? 4
• What were the results (good and bad)? 4
• How can this design be further improved? 4

This also includes initial unrealized ideas discussed at the start of the season 4.

• Individual Sections Game Manual Part 1, Section 9.2.2, lists expected content, including:
• Problem Definition 6
• Information Gathering 6
• Brainstorming Solutions 6
• Concept Design 6
• System Level Design 6
• Testing 6
• Design Improvement 6
• Production 6
• Promotion 6
• Budgeting 6
• Planning 6
• Outreach 6

Specific sections mentioned in Game Manual Part 1, the Judges Manual, and Notebook Guidelines include a team plan, which encompasses non-robot writing such as a sustainability plan, a strategic plan, and a business plan. Completing one of these is required for the Inspire award 6. The specific naming and content of each section are left to the individual notebook writers 6.

The length and detail of the notebook should be considered based on the competition schedule; a condensed notebook is advisable for shorter competitions where judges have limited time 5. Humor is acceptable but should be kept to a minimum to maintain a professional-grade document 2. Consistent team branding is important for judges to remember and advocate for the team 2.