𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺𝘀

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺𝘀

Most engineers copy old solutions. First principles thinking is different. It removes assumptions. You build from the ground up.

Here is how you do it:

• Find the core problem. Ask why five times. Stop when you hit the basic need. People ask for solutions. You need the problem.
• Break the problem into parts. List facts. List assumptions. Prove the facts. Question the assumptions. This is how you find new ways.
• Stop using analogies. Do not ask how other companies solve it. Look at the constraints. See what is possible.
• Build the smallest version first. Complexity hides flaws. Simple versions show if you are right.
• Run small tests. Test the riskiest parts first. A working prototype beats a long document.
• Use evidence. Ignore opinions. Build, measure, and learn.

This method is tiring. Do not use it for every task. Save it for big problems. Use it when old ways fail.

Source: https://dev.to/therizwansaleem/how-to-approach-hard-problems-first-principles-thinking-for-engineers-5f1g Optional learning community: https://rizwansaleem.co