Here's how you can articulate your problem-solving approach to stakeholders as a software engineer.

You can never ask too many open questions before coming up with a potential approach with your team. Sometimes, it might be tempting to dive right into talking enthusiastically about how you want to do it, and what your vision is. However, the more questions you ask, and more importantly, the more you listen to the answers, the more you can uncover things that might impact the project's outcome. I've been in meetings with clients where I simply observed their conversations without getting involved. When that happens, pay close attention. Those are the moments when you can catch the little details that can turn your work into something memorable.

For example, let your clients understand that software development like building a house. You wouldn't start decorating the living room before laying the foundation. First, you need solid blueprints (your design), then you lay the foundation (your core architecture), build the structure (your code), and only then do you focus on the details like painting the walls (UI/UX). Skipping steps or rushing ahead can lead to a house that's unstable and unsafe, just like how skipping planning and design can lead to buggy software

In addition to these tools, I've found that doodling live, whether on a whiteboard or a piece of paper on the table, has brought me great results. When I draw out ideas in real-time using simple sketches or flowcharts, the person in front of me, whether online or physically present, connects more deeply with what I'm saying. Sometimes, clients have even remembered the crazy doodles when testing the functions we discussed. This live interaction with visual aids not only clarifies complex concepts but also fosters a more engaging and memorable discussion.

Jumping to new frameworks isn't something I would recommend. Staying updated and using new technologies is great, but you need a strong and solid foundation for your house—I mean, your application! The initial architecture should be designed with long-term goals in mind. It's important to be flexible and open to new ideas, but make sure your core structure is rock solid before adding the latest bells and whistles.

There's nothing more rewarding than having a client so thrilled with your software that they say things like, "We can't live without it" or "What would we do without you?" When all is said and done, and the final commit is in, achieving memorable results is the pinnacle of success