What techniques can you use to select a solution with limited resources?

I agree setting the right techniques to figure out a problem with limited resources requires careful consideration of the problem itself, the general resources, and the desired results. Before diving into solution techniques, it's essential to determine the problem you're trying to solve. This involves identifying the root cause of the problem, understanding the signs or declarations, and outlining the desired outcomes or goals.

Defining the criteria to set as standards to achieve desired goal. Feasibility study, Cost-effective analysis, regression analysis can all be good to explore depending on your solution blueprint.

What you're thinking, someone has already thought of before, so there can always be case studies of the ideas that are in mind. Evaluate different ideas based on previous experiences and the input of others. Write these solutions down.

First of all you have to be very clear what problem you have, that can be done by 'clearly defining the problem'. I generally do it by answering 4 W and 1 H questions. Its not mandatory that you should answer each 5 questions but you will get an idea that where exactly you have been stuck while you are doing this exercise. Once the problem has been defined clearly half of your problem is solved, trust me.

I start by establishing clear project objectives and identifying essential parameters such as cost, time and available technology. Understanding the manufacturing capabilities and constraints informs these criteria. Prioritization is key; I evaluate design alternatives based on their alignment with project goals and resource constraints. Techniques like value engineering help identify which features contribute most to the design's success within the given limitations. Strategic collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams aids in comprehensive criteria definition. Balancing technical feasibility, aesthetic appeal, and resource optimization becomes a dynamic decision-making process.

Rate your solutions to get the best to use. Consider few points below to enabling your rating process. Opportunity cost analysis: helps to know which solution to choose over the other. prioritization matrix: This helps you to know what should come first and get adequate funding or attention. Outsourcing and cross-border: Outsourcing to skilled-labour that charges less of products and services needed can save a lot of money for project. Partnership can help reduce being everywhere with everyone while partners can do the delegatory task on your behalf to safe cost of communication, transportation and logistics.

Once the problem has been defined clearly, I follow cause and effect approach to get to the root cause of the problem. This can be done by making fish bone diagram. Here you have to write all the probable causes how small it may be which can lead to the problem, in this phase you should look at the problem from every direction. This enables you to know what the probable causes to the problem are. Once all causes are written down start validating, does it really affect the problem?, it yes then stay with it otherwise eliminate it.

I employ a structured evaluation system that considers both qualitative and quantitative aspects. Criteria such as cost-effectiveness, technical feasibility and alignment with design objectives are pivotal. Implementing a weighted scoring system enables a nuanced comparison of alternatives. Cross-functional collaboration is integral; engaging with manufacturing experts and stakeholders helps gather diverse perspectives. Rapid prototyping aids in practical evaluation, allowing for tangible insights into a solution's performance. The use of decision matrices and scoring models provides a systematic framework for objectively assessing each solution. Considering scalability and adaptability is crucial for long-term viability.

Ideas should be categorized from conservative to ambitious. Each idea is going to have its pros and cons to which you can place them in their respective category.

Make it an intentional act to always compare solutions, that can help you to avoid penny-wise-pounds-foolish situation. Documentation will help you to achieve this comparison.

I employ a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics, aligning closely with project objectives. Each solution is rigorously evaluated based on factors such as cost-effectiveness, technical feasibility and alignment with design goals. Utilizing decision matrices and scoring models facilitates a structured approach. Weighting criteria based on priority ensures a nuanced evaluation. Engaging cross-functional teams and stakeholders enriches the evaluation process with diverse insights, fostering a comprehensive understanding of each solution's implications. Comparative ranking involves assigning scores to different alternatives, considering both short-term and long-term impacts.

Comparing each solution depends on your current circumstance. If you can have leeway with the method you can take, then lean more towards an ambitious idea. If you have to be careful with your actions, take one of the conservative approaches.

After the knowing the probable causes, you can follow 5 why approach on each one of these. This will help you to drill further down in knowing that what is actually causing the problem. It is now mandatory to get down to answer all 5 whys, if you can find solution in 2nd or 4th why you can stop there.

Put your solutions to test, find the pros and cons of it, how effective it is, how cost effective it is, how beneficial it is, how profitable it is, how scalable it is, how sustainable it is etc. The solution that gives you all these metrics in high percentage can be considered as a chosen solution over the others.

I advocate for a systematic and iterative testing process, leveraging techniques like prototyping, simulation and usability studies. Prototypes serve as tangible models to validate design concepts, providing insights into functionality, ergonomics and manufacturability. Simulations, whether through computer-aided design or virtual testing, help predict performance outcomes and identify potential flaws early in the design phase. Usability studies involve gathering feedback from end-users, ensuring the solution aligns seamlessly with their needs and preferences.

Once you are convinced with the cause of the problem, then you have to define the action plan to solve it. This can be done along with the cross-functional team where you can arrive at the best solution to the problem. I generally used to do it with the brainstorming session.

Select the solution with best outcome with all tested and evaluated metrics. It means that solution scores the highest base on what standard you set for the evaluation.

Facing a project with limited budget and tight timelines, I had to meticulously choose a solution that maximized impact within these constraints. Instead of opting for expensive custom materials, I strategically selected cost-effective yet durable materials. Additionally, I streamlined the manufacturing process, focusing on efficiency without compromising quality. Identifying critical design elements and prioritizing them based on impact allowed for focused resource allocation. Selecting solutions that optimized manufacturing efficiency minimized resource wastage. Remaining flexible in design decisions to accommodate resource fluctuations contributed to successful outcomes.

Slay a sacred cow. The Prussian King Fredrick the Great died in 1786. Yet many historians credit him with losing the Battle of Jena in 1806. The reason for this is that for 20 years after his death, the army perpetuated his successful strategy rather than adapting to meet the changing art of war. Many rules outlive the purpose for which they were intended. Thus, a great creative thinking strategy is to question the rules. Every right idea is eventually a wrong idea. Innovation means not only generating new ideas but escaping from obsolete ones as well.

An important and valuable aspect is involving the stakeholders before making a decision. It's often an oversight on our part even during the risk assessment. Anyone who may be affected by the decision can sometimes provide the most valuable insight that we otherwise may overlook.