What do you do if technical constraints are causing conflicts in software design?

If constrained with H/W where one is to resort to neccessary 'pressureTimings with S/W model of the h/w one is to use. Than implement your previous plans. Or as usually do not forget to $Abstraction/Specialization/Relations/Behaviours/Traits.

Find the actual problems, and list out problems which are non negotiable and negotiable without hampering the core functionality of your software/web app. Take an example like building a profanity checker for your webapp/software. Does it really require an AI ? And all the technical constraints like regular GPU running on your server ? Or the added cost of OpenAI type APIs? Can't we do it by making a simpler and a cost effective tensor of our own? :) that's where your answer is

Thoroughly analyze the technical constraints causing conflicts in the software design. Identify specific areas where constraints are impacting the design decisions or project goals.

Begin by clearly identifying and defining the technical constraints causing conflicts. Analyze the root causes of these issues. Is it due to outdated technology, scalability limitations, budget constraints, or something else? Understanding the specifics of each issue allows you to address them more effectively and communicate about them more clearly with stakeholders.

Prioritize project requirements and stakeholder needs based on their criticality and impact. Determine which constraints are non-negotiable and which ones can be mitigated or worked around.

Assess and prioritize the needs of the project. Consider which aspects of the software are most critical to its success and which constraints are most severely impacting these areas. Prioritization helps you focus on resolving the most impactful issues first and aids in resource allocation, ensuring that the most crucial aspects of the project are not compromised.

Sometimes in the quest to add features and functionalities we forget what are the actual core problems of a business or client. For example for B2B customers, no one needs another CRM. What they need are custom solutions to specific operational tasks at hand to reduce the operational time it takes to maybe hire new talent, data processing on daily basis etc. Build features which are core to the business and rest can be worked on in future

Brainstorm alternative solutions or design approaches to overcome the technical constraints. Consider trade-offs, compromises, and innovative solutions that balance functionality, performance, and feasibility.

With a clear understanding of the constraints and priorities, explore alternative solutions. This could involve using different technologies, adjusting project scope, or modifying performance expectations. Brainstorm with your team to find creative solutions that meet project requirements without exceeding technical limits.

Just as I took the example earlier, if you can avoid using AI via some APIs like that of Gemini or OpenAI then it should be encouraged. Making a small tensor of our own is easier and cost effective and even at times sufficient for businesses. Also looking for alternatives helps us understand why exactly stuff like AI is crucial at places where we shouldn't avoid it :)

Involve stakeholders, including developers, engineers, product owners, and end-users, in the decision-making process. Gather input, feedback, and perspectives to ensure alignment and consensus on proposed solutions.

Regularly engage with all stakeholders, including clients, end-users, and team members, to discuss the constraints and proposed solutions. Transparent communication helps manage expectations and fosters a collaborative environment for finding viable solutions. Stakeholder feedback can also provide new insights or validate the direction of the proposed alternatives.

Iterate on the software design iteratively based on feedback and insights gained from exploring alternatives and engaging stakeholders. Refine the design to address technical constraints while meeting project objectives and user requirements.

Use an iterative design approach to incrementally address and test solutions to the constraints. This allows you to refine solutions based on real-world feedback and performance, ensuring that the final product meets user needs while adhering to technical realities.

Document design decisions, rationale, and trade-offs made to address technical constraints. Maintain clear and comprehensive documentation to facilitate communication, transparency, and future reference.

Keep a comprehensive record of all decisions made regarding the constraints and how they were addressed. Documenting these decisions is crucial for future reference and helps maintain transparency with stakeholders. It also aids in project audits and post-mortem analyses to improve future projects.

Algo que me ha sido de utilidad en situaciones complicadas en las que me he encontrado con limitantes técnicas importantes: 1. Armar un equipo con personas idóneas de cada área involucrada en la problemática en cuestión para avanzar con sesiones conjuntas destinadas a plantear el tema a resolver y discutir soluciones. La dedicación debiera ser lo más full time que sea posible. 2. Definir peque?as etapas (sprints) con objetivos concretos asociados al problema que permitan presentar peque?os prototipos (entregables) soluciones. 3. Iterar sesiones y prototipos lo más rápido posible dentro de lo razonable, siendo el feedback recibido en cada entrega el input para la siguiente etapa. Bonus track: La documentación sea concisa y contundente.

Consider the long-term impact of any compromises or changes made to accommodate technical constraints. Ensure that these decisions do not introduce new risks or issues, particularly in terms of security, maintainability, and user experience. Additionally, use these experiences as learning opportunities to enhance future planning and decision-making processes. It might also be beneficial to invest in technology upgrades or skills development for your team to better handle similar challenges in the future. Lastly, maintaining a flexible and adaptive project management approach can help accommodate unexpected changes and constraints more smoothly.

-Keep yourself and your team informed about the latest technological advancements that might alleviate the constraints in the future. -Research similar projects and how they dealt with technical limitations. You might find valuable strategies or workarounds. -Communicate openly with stakeholders about potential limitations or impacts of the chosen solution.

echnical constraints don't have to be a roadblock. By fostering open communication, exploring creative solutions, and prioritizing effectively, you can navigate these limitations and still deliver a successful software design.