8 Properties of “Elegance” to aim for with our systems
According to Dr. Mike Griffin, it’s the main job of a Systems Engineer to ensure these properties are achieved and balanced.
Workability - the system produces the anticipated behavior, the expected output
Robustness - the system should not produce radical departures from its expected behavior in response to small changes
Efficiency - produces the desired output for what is thought to be a lesser expenditure of resources than competing alternatives
Predictability - accomplishes its intended purpose while minimizing unintended actions, side effects, and consequences
Functional Compliance - performs the functions we desire at or above the expected level of performance
Simple Architecture - the structural arrangement of the physical parts of form with only essential System Complexity
Minimal Lifecycle Cost - including the design effort, manufacturing cost, capital expenditures, operating expenses
Superior Lifecycle Properties - robustness, safety, flexibility to change, maintainability, sustainability…