Solving Problems

Engineers strongest trait is the ability to solve problems given to them. Throw in constraints, the problem, and resources and we can come up with what we feel the best solution is. Unfortunately the biggest issue is that there is no true correct solution. Theres trade off's that need to be made in reference to time and money and that can and will always affect the outcome of the solution. From a young engineers stand point I will delve into briefly how I've learned to solve problems.



Engineering classes have been known to be very analytical, math and science heavy. While this is true there is an underlying methodology that most to all engineers seem to have embedded in them by the end of there under graduate career. How to solve problems!


Identify what your looking for.

 Simple yet most people begin trying to solve something and get so far into and forget why they did past steps and the direction they were going in.







Look and identify what your given.

In most cases there are parameters given to you. In the real world, its sometimes size, time, money, economy and profitability. In most our cases, as studying engineers, they have been dimensions, variables, types of energies and types of items you are looking at. These have correlations between them and 4yrs of practice with the latter prepares us for the real world parameters

Identify and apply assumptions.

No problem can be solved without them. They simplify problems and help eliminate variables and help focus the problem. In college they are done as to simplify problems and  assumptions are latereliminated to help understand how they affect larger problems.

Identify tools and resources and constraints

Tools is our second biggest asset besides time. They are usually cheap and available on a regular basis. Sometimes they are expensive but can save time and in turn save money for the person utilizing them. Resources are things like money, internet, applicable research,  software etc. are usually coupled with tools and often one in the same when in comparison to a tool. Constraints are the things tighten your design and encourages creativity. It makes you think outside of the box and help new ideas and solutions to come out.


Attack Problem

The one thing that takes the most time and goes through so many iterations is this step. This is the development stage after all research is done. This may require more resouces, more tools, more assumptions, sometime more constraints to arrive to a solution. Overall this formula has proven helpful in solving problems and has worked consistently.







Frustration/Pressure

Frustration is the biggest issue with coming up with a solution. Dealing with constraints sometimes can hinder creativity and send us into void of unsure thoughts. Doubts and pressure start to build, and will affect the outcome of a problem and a design. Getting rid of both of these can help improve design, focus and endurance to get the problem solved.

Working in groups sometimes bring this about but unless you've consistently worked in them its sometimes hard to identify what the problem may be. Its best sometimes to identify the problems that may occur, whether they lack of focus to the person(s) pulling there weight, and prepare for it.