Reinvent or Rely? The Engineer’s Dilemma Between Old and New

In the world of engineering design and analysis, professionals often face a critical decision: should we rely on established methods, or is it time to innovate and start from scratch? This question has been on my mind recently, and I’d like to share some reflections from my years in the field.

The Comfort of Familiar Systems

There’s a certain comfort in sticking with what we know. Established engineering design systems, despite being fragmented and sometimes cumbersome, offer a sense of certainty. Their processes and integrations are familiar, and the handover of data to clients or operators follows a well-trodden path. This “tried and trusted” approach is often seen as the safe bet.

The Challenge of Change

However, disruptive and breakthrough innovations rarely fit neatly into existing molds. Take, for example, the steel and base metals industry. Traditional pyrometallurgical (high-temperature smelting) processes have dominated for decades, and there’s a massive global infrastructure built around them. Yet, new electrochemical (low-temperature) processes are being piloted and scaled, promising significant benefits. The challenge? Convincing industry players to move away from what’s familiar and invest in something new.

Weighing the Options: Evolution or Revolution?

So, should you stick with what you know or design something from the ground up? The answer isn’t black and white. It’s essential to:

• Define your goals: What are you trying to achieve? What adds value or makes economic sense?
• Identify challenges and opportunities: Understanding the limitations of traditional approaches can highlight where innovation is needed.
• Assess the benefits of new processes: What could a new approach unlock for your business or industry?
• Motivate change: Change is hard, and risk aversion is natural. Business owners need clear incentives and a compelling case to take the leap.

Final Thoughts Ultimately, the decision to stick with the tried and tested or to innovate should be driven by a clear understanding of your objectives and the potential value of change. By thoughtfully weighing the risks and rewards, you can position yourself—and your organization—to make informed, forward-thinking choices.