#070 - Systems Thinking: Part 1 | Navigating Engineering Complexity

A mental model for diagnosing and managing complex engineering systems.

Engineering is problem-solving, understanding the world, or some small part of it, well enough to make predictable, reliable changes. Yet, the systems we engage with, be they physical structures, software architectures, or project workflows, are increasingly complex.

We face a constant influx of information, competing demands, and the gnawing sense that despite our best efforts, we might be missing the bigger picture, reacting to symptoms rather than addressing root causes.

What mental models, what frameworks can we adopt to cut through the noise and improve our fundamental ability to solve problems? How can we see more clearly and act more effectively?