Tear down

Why

Breaking a complex system or problem into smaller parts to focus on the root cause of a problem. Understand the interaction between parts and the role of smaller parts in the bigger scheme.

How

Physically tear down a bigger sub-system into its smaller parts. Model sub components, parts and their interaction with neighbouring parts or the surrounding based on physical interaction. Interactions can be forces, signals, thermals, fluids.

Ingredients

• A ‘divide and conquer’ mindset.

• An understanding of some of the roles of the parts.

• Awareness of comparable systems.

• Knowledge of the end system and the changes expected in the future (variation points).

Practice

Large companies use a wide repertoire of techniques to decompose systems, for example SysML, UML, C4 Model. However, simple sketching or office software can also be used. The extent to which these techniques are used depends on the specific project needs.