Solutions that do not meet the original design criteria
Solutions should be evaluated against the original specificationA statement that tells the designer exactly what the product has to do and what the design requirements are. or design criteriaPrinciples and standard that designers should meet in designing a system. where possible. This makes sure that the solution has not strayed too much from what was originally required, that it solves the original problem and that it is suitable for users.
Imagine having to apply computational thinkingA problem-solving method using computer science techniques, where possible solutions are developed and presented in a way that can be understood by humans and computers. to the problem of how to bake a cake. On decompositionThe breaking down of a system into smaller parts that are easier to understand, program and maintain. the problem, it is necessary to know:
- what kind of cake to bake
- what ingredients are needed, how much of each ingredient, and when to add it
- how many people the cake is for
- how long to bake the cake for
- what equipment is needed
The first point considers what kind of cake to bake. Often, when devising solutions to problems, a specification for the design is given. For example, the cake may have to be a chocolate cake, which is still quite general, or a chocolate fudge cake with chocolate icing and flakes on top, which is more specific.
To meet the design criteria, it is important to ensure that the exactly right kind of cake is baked. Otherwise the solution may not be fit for purpose.
The problem occurred here because the solution did not meet the original design criteria – it was not exactly what was requested.