All-or-None Processes

In a complex environment, all engineers are up against two main problems and difficulties.  The first is the fallibility of human memory and attention, especially when it comes to mundane, routine matters that are easily overlooked under the strain of more pressing events.  Faulty memory and distraction (our mutlitasked world is a world of constant distraction and interruptions) are a particular danger in what the engineering community calls "all-or-none processes" - - whether running to the store to buy the ingredients for a cake, preparing an airplane for takeoff, or evaluating a sick person in the hospital - - if you happen to miss just one key thing (we have all had to made that long drive back to the store because we forget a critical item on the list), you might as well not have made the effort at all.  Forget one key constraint or requirement in a design - - you start over because we are the poster child for all-or-none processes.

The second problem is a product of our 24/7 speed driven culture and social climate.  Engineers can lull themselves into skipping steps even when they remember them.  In complex processes and environments, after all, certain steps don't always matter.  "This has never been a problem before" -- until one day it is.  The foundation of engineering is a systematic and disciplined approach to problem solving and design.  We have steps that are explicit - - with historical verification.  Don't skip things - - remember your mental checklist regarding doing the right things for the right reasons.