Advice for Grads: The Engineering Solution Hierarchy

As it is the start of new jobs for this year’s graduates, I would like to say “Welcome”. You are now in the world of professional problem-solving. There are four layers in the "Engineering Solution Hierarchy", all are bedded on the founding principle of "solving the problem", the purpose of engineering:

1.      Pragmatic - gets the job done in a robust manner, assures the output. Not perfect but functional

2.      Efficient – more than purely pragmatic to remove loss and inefficiency in the solution

3.      Optimised - more than just efficient, this level provides the balance of PRAMS with cost

4.      Elegant - achieves all previous levels whilst inspiring others.

Enjoy problem solving.