The Iterative Investigator
From Theorist to Iterative Investigator
In January, my original position statement framed engineering design primarily as an exercise in theoretical optimization. I approached design with the mindset that a successful solution must satisfy every possible stakeholder desire, often leading me to favour comprehensive outcomes.
Today, my position has evolved from a theoretical optimizer into an Iterative Investigator. Effective engineering design is about rescoping an overall goal towards the highest-value objectives, and validating the remainder through empirical data. My practice is grounded in the three core values: Efficiency, Safety, and Accountability. These values directly dictate the Concepts, Tools, Models, and Frameworks (CTMFs) utilized throughout my work.
Efficiency
Streamlined processes and rapid iterations prevent overanalyzing a situation. I prioritize operational reliability over theoretical perfection.
Process Application (Diverge/Converge): I rely on Morphological Charts and Pairwise Comparisons to systematically isolate high-value features and eliminate unviable components early in the design cycle.
Safety
Physical protection and structural integrity are non-negotiable attributes.
Process Application (Frame): Before generating solutions, I utilize the Needs-Goals-Objectives (NGO) model and Requirements Frameworks to establish definitive, measurable boundaries that guarantee stakeholder safety.
Accountability
Human intuition is error-prone; engineering requires mathematical and empirical proof.
Process Application (Represent): I minimize subjective bias by utilizing Proxy Testing, Free Body Diagrams, and the Spiral Model of Design to validate assumptions with physical data and kinematic mathematics prior to construction.
Portfolio Organization
This portfolio is structured as a classical music repertoire (Opus CII). Each "Movement" details a specific design project, serving as evidence of how I exemplify these three core values. The documentation within each project evaluates the effectiveness of specific CTMFs across the Frameā¢Divergeā¢Convergeā¢Represent model, demonstrating my capacity to integrate software intelligence with physical hardware.
CTMF Integration Summary
| Core Value | Primary Design Phase | Applied CTMFs |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | Diverge / Converge | Morphological Charts, Pairwise Comparisons |
| Safety | Frame | NGO Framework, Requirements Frameworks |
| Accountability | Represent | Proxy Testing, Free Body Diagrams, Spiral Model of Design |