"Systems Engineering" is a development approach featuring radical focus on identifying and solving the true needs of a customer. This method encourages crossing boundaries that otherwise hamper innovation: preconceived notions, design heritage, or even what fits in a single brain.
Here at Special Teams, we believe in the power of Systems Engineering, and its applicability across industries (medical, mining, clean tech., etc.), domains (electrical, mechanical, software, etc.), and organizational silos (product development, operations, etc.). We've seen the fruits of this technique applied well: effective solutions that address the root problem, sometimes surprising a customer originally focused on a symptom.
Systems Engineering is not a rulebook or a one-size-fits-all process; real-world projects are as unique as their teams & customers. A better approach is to elevate principle above process, with the former motivating the latter.
The Systems Engineering principles below are hard-won lessons collected over decades of experience & discussions with the mentors we've had over the years.
First, Define the Need.
The quickest & cheapest path to the actual solution starts with defining the problem.
Question Why.
If you cannot describe the motivation for a given feature, it may be an unnecessary distraction. Asking why exposes weak motivations.
Tell the Story.
Most problems are due to communication gaps. Telling the story of your product ensures you understand the solution and bridges the gap to other brains.
Look for Plot Holes.
As projects progress, it takes more money & time to fix problems. Systems-minded folks actively search for issues early.
Understand How.
Building up a catalog of "how it works" helps Systems Engineers cross domain boundaries by enabling translation between domains.
Relationships Matter.
The dependencies & links between elements are often more important than the element itself.
Truth is Sacred.
Systems Engineers believe in absolute truth and put in the work to keep it holy.
Special Teams brings these Systems Engineering principles to work each day because they result in the best outcomes for our customers.