4 answers
Oscar
Student
Suamico, Wisconsin
1
Question
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What is the most common learning process among engineers and how does this process help them innovate or create new solutions to problems that require unique, efficient solutions ?
High school Senior going into college
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4 answers
Akshat Jain
Software Engineer
3
Answers
Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
Updated
Akshat’s Answer
Hi Oscar!
"Fail Fast via Iterations" is a great way for engineers to learn. You come up with a solution, try it out, and test it. If it doesn't work, that's okay. This process should be quick and active. If you wait until the end to see if a big solution works, you might not have enough time to fix it and you'll have a lot to learn all at once.
The best way to handle big problems is to break them down into smaller, manageable parts. Start by looking at solutions that are already out there, which will help you understand the area you're working in. Then, when you face issues during testing, you'll learn about technical challenges.
With your own efforts and learning from others, you'll find common problems and eventually solve them through learning and growth.
"Fail Fast via Iterations" is a great way for engineers to learn. You come up with a solution, try it out, and test it. If it doesn't work, that's okay. This process should be quick and active. If you wait until the end to see if a big solution works, you might not have enough time to fix it and you'll have a lot to learn all at once.
The best way to handle big problems is to break them down into smaller, manageable parts. Start by looking at solutions that are already out there, which will help you understand the area you're working in. Then, when you face issues during testing, you'll learn about technical challenges.
With your own efforts and learning from others, you'll find common problems and eventually solve them through learning and growth.
Jenna Zhou
4
Answers
Updated
Jenna’s Answer
The most common learning process among engineers is iterative, hands-on problem-solving combined with continuous feedback and reflection. Engineers often learn by tackling real-world challenges, breaking them down into smaller components, and experimenting with solutions. This process typically involves cycles of "design, test, analyze, and refine", which helps them understand not only what works but why it works. Along the way, they leverage resources like technical documentation, peer collaboration, and simulation tools to deepen their knowledge.
This iterative approach fosters innovation because it encourages engineers to think critically and adapt quickly. By testing ideas in practice rather than relying solely on theory, they uncover unexpected insights and develop creative solutions that are both efficient and practical. Moreover, the habit of learning from failures and incorporating feedback ensures that each iteration improves upon the last, leading to breakthroughs that might not emerge from a purely linear or theoretical process.
In short, engineers innovate by learning through doing, embracing uncertainty, and refining ideas through structured experimentation. This mindset not only solves current problems but also builds the adaptability needed for future challenges.
This iterative approach fosters innovation because it encourages engineers to think critically and adapt quickly. By testing ideas in practice rather than relying solely on theory, they uncover unexpected insights and develop creative solutions that are both efficient and practical. Moreover, the habit of learning from failures and incorporating feedback ensures that each iteration improves upon the last, leading to breakthroughs that might not emerge from a purely linear or theoretical process.
In short, engineers innovate by learning through doing, embracing uncertainty, and refining ideas through structured experimentation. This mindset not only solves current problems but also builds the adaptability needed for future challenges.
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
150
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Oscar,
This is a very thought provoking question. Throughout human history, engineering solutions have focused on meeting human needs. At the level of practice, we learn through experience: after figuring out what needs to be done, we act. We then assess the impact of our actions: what happened? Analysis then follows: why did it happen? This is followed by what comes next: what is the way forward? We then act again. It's a spiral that helps us to acquire tacit knowledge knowledge progressively through experience. Astute companies spend significant amounts of resources to distill and codify such experiences to turn them into formal knowledge. The cutting edge ones form part of company secrets that are jealously guarded as they give the company a competitive edge.
The difficulties engineers face during the course of their work often triggers this cycle. This may happen during routine work or during projects. In the manufacturing sectors for instance, unusual equipment failures often prompt maintenance engineers to engage original equipment manufacturers to jointly explore sustainable solutions. When acquiring new equipment, project teams usually involve both process and maintenance teams through design reviews in order to help highlight design deficiencies in equipment in use so they can be addressed in the next generation of equipment being procured.
The same learning cycle also applies to the methodologies engineers use when executing work: procedures, work instructions, software applications etc. that make their work safer, easier, more effective and more efficient.
Curiosity is another powerful factor that can trigger the experiential learning cycle. This often involves new areas that can result in new discoveries and inventions. Research & development is a common vehicle for this kind of undertaking.
This is a very thought provoking question. Throughout human history, engineering solutions have focused on meeting human needs. At the level of practice, we learn through experience: after figuring out what needs to be done, we act. We then assess the impact of our actions: what happened? Analysis then follows: why did it happen? This is followed by what comes next: what is the way forward? We then act again. It's a spiral that helps us to acquire tacit knowledge knowledge progressively through experience. Astute companies spend significant amounts of resources to distill and codify such experiences to turn them into formal knowledge. The cutting edge ones form part of company secrets that are jealously guarded as they give the company a competitive edge.
The difficulties engineers face during the course of their work often triggers this cycle. This may happen during routine work or during projects. In the manufacturing sectors for instance, unusual equipment failures often prompt maintenance engineers to engage original equipment manufacturers to jointly explore sustainable solutions. When acquiring new equipment, project teams usually involve both process and maintenance teams through design reviews in order to help highlight design deficiencies in equipment in use so they can be addressed in the next generation of equipment being procured.
The same learning cycle also applies to the methodologies engineers use when executing work: procedures, work instructions, software applications etc. that make their work safer, easier, more effective and more efficient.
Curiosity is another powerful factor that can trigger the experiential learning cycle. This often involves new areas that can result in new discoveries and inventions. Research & development is a common vehicle for this kind of undertaking.
Siva Kann
VP of Products & Technology
31
Answers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Siva’s Answer
Hello Oscar,
This is a great question, and I agree with many of the answers you have already received. Engineers absolutely learn through iteration, failing forward, and hands-on problem-solving. Rather than repeating the same points, I want to add something many students miss: the mindset behind how engineers think.
Before focusing on how engineers learn, ask yourself a few deeper questions:
- When I face a problem, do I try to understand it deeply, or do I rush to a solution?
- Am I comfortable not knowing the answer right away?
- Do I see mistakes as signals to improve, or as proof I’m not good at this?
- Do I ask “why did this work (or fail)?” or do I just move on?
Great engineers aren’t the ones who memorize the most concepts. They are curious about cause-and-effect, and willing to think more slowly so they can think better.
Here’s a simple mental model you can start using now:
1. Be curious: Treat every problem like an investigation. Instead of asking “What’s the right answer?”, ask “What’s really going on here?”
2. Systems thinking: Ask how different pieces interact and what trade-offs exist. Efficient solutions come from understanding the whole picture, not just one component.
3. Challenge your understanding: Have a point of view, test it, and be willing to change it. Strong engineers are flexible thinkers, not stubborn ones.
4. Reflect more than you consume.
If you develop this mindset early, the iterative learning process others mentioned will work for you instead of feeling overwhelming. Innovation naturally follows when you think clearly, stay curious, and reflect deeply.
– Siva
This is a great question, and I agree with many of the answers you have already received. Engineers absolutely learn through iteration, failing forward, and hands-on problem-solving. Rather than repeating the same points, I want to add something many students miss: the mindset behind how engineers think.
Before focusing on how engineers learn, ask yourself a few deeper questions:
- When I face a problem, do I try to understand it deeply, or do I rush to a solution?
- Am I comfortable not knowing the answer right away?
- Do I see mistakes as signals to improve, or as proof I’m not good at this?
- Do I ask “why did this work (or fail)?” or do I just move on?
Great engineers aren’t the ones who memorize the most concepts. They are curious about cause-and-effect, and willing to think more slowly so they can think better.
Here’s a simple mental model you can start using now:
1. Be curious: Treat every problem like an investigation. Instead of asking “What’s the right answer?”, ask “What’s really going on here?”
2. Systems thinking: Ask how different pieces interact and what trade-offs exist. Efficient solutions come from understanding the whole picture, not just one component.
3. Challenge your understanding: Have a point of view, test it, and be willing to change it. Strong engineers are flexible thinkers, not stubborn ones.
4. Reflect more than you consume.
If you develop this mindset early, the iterative learning process others mentioned will work for you instead of feeling overwhelming. Innovation naturally follows when you think clearly, stay curious, and reflect deeply.
– Siva