Engineering Method

A discussion about the type of engineering problems aids in understanding the characteristics of the Engineering Method. Nigel Cross distinguishes two types of problems: well defined problems and ill defined problems. The characteristics and domains of the problems are summarized in the following table. Nigel Cross further notes that engineering or design problems are usually "ill defined", thus without "definite formulation" or solution, possibly with internal conflicts, and "solution dependent".

Well defined problems	Ill defined problems
Problem focused methods	Solution focused methods
Solving the problem involves understanding and formulating the problem accurately, appropriately, and in detail; then applying algorithmic solutions	Solving the problem involves trying to "move fairly quickly to a potential solution, or set of potential solutions, and to use that as a means of further defining and understanding the problem.", and solving it (1)
Science and mathematics	Engineering or design
Example: A doctor needs to diagnose his patient accurately before he/she can treat the patient.	Example: An engineer need to propose a system for home security before the tenant can demand customization, adjustments or assurance.

Engineering problems are "ill defined", thus without deterministic solutions. Thus, Engineering Method is not completely systematic. The method is not a recipe to produce hot selling products. Nevertheless, the Engineering Method does produce buildings, bridges, vehicles, software, tools, and devices that function reliably, and we use confidently. Then, what exactly are the characteristics of the Engineering Method? The three main characteristics of the Engineering Method are: heuristic, iterative, and use of Science.

The Engineering Method is heuristic because there exists no one method, and none of the methods can be proved theoretically, mathematically, statistically or otherwise to be universally applicable and absolute. Nevertheless, different variants of the Engineering Method are used successfully to create the technology, and the world.

The Engineering Method is iterative. Iterative nature is built into the method. Steps are retraced when failure occurs, in search of alternatives, or for optimization reasons.

The main distinction between craftsmanship and engineering is the systematic application of science. Crafts are developed over time usually by local knowledge. Engineering evolves more selectively, more rapidly, and by using and expanding science.