To Engineer Is Human: The Role of Failure in Successful Design
Book Cover:
"How did a simple design error cause one of the great disasters of the 1980s - the collapse of the walkways at the Kansas City Hyatt Regency Hotel? What made the graceful and innovative Tacoma Narrows Bridge twist apart in a mild wind in 1940? How did an oversized waterlily inspire the magnificent Crystal Palace, the crowning achievement of Victorian architecture and engineering? These are some of the failures and successes that Henry Petroski, author of the acclaimed The Pencil, examines in this engaging, wonderfully literate book. More than a series of fascinating case studies, To Engineer is Human is a work that looks at our deepest notions of progress and perfection, tracing the fine connection between the quantifiable realm of science and the chaotic realities of everyday life."
Why We Liked This Book:
This book offers many examples of how design and execution both play a role in the efforts that we undertake. It highlights the value of failure and underscores the costs and significace associated with innovation and offers invaluable insights for non-engineering professionals seeking to improve their organizations.
By delving into the intricate relationship between failure and success in engineering, Henry Petroski provides a framework that transcends disciplines. The book illuminates universal principles of problem-solving, resilience, and innovation applicable to any field. Understanding how failures inform design decisions fosters a culture of continuous improvement and risk management essential for organizational growth. Non-engineering professionals will gain a newfound appreciation for the iterative nature of problem-solving and the importance of learning from mistakes, empowering them to drive positive change within their organizations.
3 Useful Things:
Each book we review and recommend is worth the time to read. To demostrate this claim we provide three useful insights we gleaned from the pages for each review.
1. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Instead of viewing failure as a setback, see it as a valuable learning experience. Analyze failures to understand their root causes and identify opportunities for improvement. By learning from mistakes, professionals can refine their processes and enhance their problem-solving abilities.
2. Prioritize Iterative Design: Recognize that design is an iterative process that involves continuous refinement and adjustment. Test and prototype designs early and often to uncover potential flaws and areas for improvement. Iterative design allows professionals to address issues incrementally, leading to more robust and effective solutions.
3. Foster a Culture of Innovation and Resilience: Encourage a workplace culture that values innovation, creativity, and resilience. Create an environment where individuals feel empowered to take calculated risks and experiment with new ideas. Cultivate a mindset that embraces failure as a natural part of the design process and encourages perseverance in the face of setbacks. By fostering a culture of innovation and resilience, professionals can drive positive change and achieve greater success in their endeavors.
Book Details:
Author:Henry Petroski
Format: Paperback
Length: 272 Pages
Publisher: Vintage
Publication date: March 31, 1992
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