Any situation which can be expressed in a ‘If—, then —–, but—–‘ format, can be solved. It is more of a design contradiction than a problem
If I do something, then some good can occur, but some bad occurs too. Some typical examples are given below.
1. While designing a car, I have the technical capability to increase the engine power. However, doing that automatically brings in degradation in some other feature of the car – its manoeuvrability, fuel consumption, weight etc.
- If I increase engine power, then I get speed and thrill, but lack of controllability and increased fuel consumption occurs too
2. While designing a coca cola can, I have the technical capability to reduce the thickness of the metal sheet even more ( in order to save material). However, the thin sheet automatically brings in degradation in another feature of the can – its ability to be stacked vertically.
- If I thin out the metal film, then I get saving in material, but decrease in vertical stacking occurs too
3. I have the capability of making the canopy of an umbrella larger (for better rain capture). However, doing so automatically brings in degradation in another feature of the umbrella – its portability and ease of storage.
- If I make the canopy of the umbrella larger, then I get better protection from rain, but increase in difficulty in portability and carriage occurs too.
If your design dilemma can be worded like this, we can give you a solution. Guaranteed.
Not just a compromise solution, but an optimization solution.
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