system design

Did We Optimize the Metric or the System?

Did We Optimize the Metric or the System?

When regulatory compliance and corporate KPIs hinge on a single proxy metric, teams don’t build resilient products—they hyper-optimize for the test cycle. From cylinder deactivation schemes that destroy engines at 45,000 miles to software sprint velocity targets that invite technical debt, Goodhart’s Law reveals a universal trap: when a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure. Discover why narrow metric-chasing breaks complex systems, and how leadership can shift focus back to real-world performance. Learn more inside.

Kill the power at 120°F

Kill the power at 120°F

Why Simple Requirements Can Break Complex Systems: Lessons from Control Engineering

Discover why seemingly simple requirements like “Boiler shuts off at 120°F” can cause system failures when key details—like restart conditions—are missing. Learn how incomplete specs lead to inconsistent logic and unsafe systems, and why clear, testable, and complete requirements are essential before coding. Improve your engineering rigor with practical tips for defining test cases, avoiding assumptions, and using tools that enforce discipline. Learn more inside.

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