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Engineering problems are under-defined, there are many…

“Engineering problems are under-defined, there are many solutions, good, bad and indifferent. The art is to arrive at a good solution. This is a creative activity, involving imagination, intuition and deliberate choice.” quote by Ove Arup
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“Engineering problems are under-defined, there are many solutions, good, bad and indifferent. The art is to arrive at a good solution. This is a creative activity, involving imagination, intuition and deliberate choice.”

Ove Arup

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Engineering problems lack complete definition, allowing many solutions; the craft lies in choosing the best through imagination and intuition.

In simple terms: Engineering is creative problem solving.

Key Takeaway

Use imagination to find optimal solutions.

Themes

creativity decision‑making problem‑solving

Mood

analytical inspired

Type

technical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • product design
  • infrastructure projects
  • team brainstorming

Key Concepts

systems thinking innovation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What criteria define a good solution?
  • How can intuition be balanced with data?
A Different Perspective

Complex constraints may limit truly “good” solutions.

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