In the same order they are presented in the [[Systems Engineering Book of Knowledge|SEBoK]]: 1. Don't assume the original statement of the problem is the best, or even right one. (this is similar to [[The XY Problem]]) 1. The hidden assumptions are usually the most damaging (the [[Unknown Unknowns]]) 3. The customer knows what they want, but not what they need. 2. In the early stages of a project, unknowns are a bigger issue than known problems 3. Model before build, wherever possible 4. Most serious mistakes are made early on **** # More ## Source - [[Systems Engineering Book of Knowledge]] ## Related - [[Heuristics]]