System Thinking before System Design
With Solution Neutral Approach
System thinking can be thought of a language, As a language it is specific way of viewing the world, it affect thoughts and thoughts in turn affects how we look at the world - Michael R Goodman
The increasing complexity of modern systems, especially in engineering, sometime underscores the importance of "System Thinkers". While the fact is, those individuals who possess a holistic understanding of the interconnected components and processes within a system can navigate any complexities effectively.
It's essential to learn, our understanding progresses through distinct stages
Reactive => Adaptive => Creative => Generative
i.e. reacting to challenges, to adapting to dynamic environments, to fostering creativity in problem-solving, and ultimately to generating innovative solutions proactively
The Solution-Neutral Approach
A solution-neutral approach in system thinking means delaying the selection to any particular alternatives (technology, platform, language or method) until a thorough understanding of the overall system's requirements and constraints is achieved.
Needs → Solution-Neutral Function → Concept → Architecture
For example, Take a Scenario, when you are going to buy a new car for yourself, Now with solution neutral approach, Take a step back for the said decision:-
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Problem Identification:-
Requirement: Transportation for office commute
Solution Exploration:-
Public Transport: Buses, Trains, Taxis
Private Transport: Car Pooling, Personal Vehicle (Car)
Attributes Evaluation:-
Options Availability: Evaluate the availability of each transportation option in your area.
Commutation Time: Consider the time it takes to commute using each option
Usage Frequency: Assess how often you need to commute and the flexibility required
Cost Incurrence: Compare the costs associated with each option, including fares, fuel, maintenance, insurance, and parking
=> Hence here by applying a solution-neutral approach, one can make a well-informed decision that is aligned with specific needs while considering all available options and their attributes. This ensures that you choose the most effective solution and remove yourself being biased towards a particular choice
In the platform engineering world, the rapid emergence of new tools presents both opportunities and challenges. Here's how system thinkers should approach this dynamic environment
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