Sounds simple, right?

Not so fast.

As an engineer who’s built control systems from RTOS to PLCs, I’ve learned this the hard way:

Simplicity is often deceptive—and dangerous.

Here’s a scenario I use often:
Boiler hits 120°F → Power shuts off.
Everyone nods. “Easy. I’ll code it.”

Then I ask:
When do you turn it back on?

Silence.

Some say 119°F. Others guess 115°F.

Nobody agrees—because the requirement was incomplete.
That ambiguity slips quietly into code.

Now imagine this:
Team A shuts down at 120°F but expects a restart at 119°F.
Team B expects a restart at 115°F.

No coordination. Just assumptions.

This isn’t just bad software.
It’s bad systems thinking—and it leads to risk and system failure.

Even “clear” requirements can fail:
120°F is specific, testable, and feasible
No restart condition
Not linked to system-wide logic

Bottom line:
Incomplete requirements → Inconsistent logic → Unsafe systems

That’s why I say:
No code until requirements are clear, complete, and testable.

Define test cases with the requirements
Don’t assume
Use tools that enforce rigor

It always starts with:
“It’s just a simple requirement.”

That’s why I advocate for tools that make rigor repeatable.

About the Author

Sami Joueidi holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and brings over 15 years of experience leading AI-driven transformations across startups and enterprises. A seasoned technology leader, Sami has led customer adoption programs, cross-functional engineering teams, and go-to-market strategies that deliver real business impact.

He’s passionate about turning complex ideas into practical solutions, and about helping teams bridge the gap between innovation and execution. Whether architecting scalable systems or demystifying AI concepts, Sami brings a blend of strategic thinking and hands-on problem-solving to every challenge.

© Sami Joueidi and www.cafesami.com, 2025.
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