principles-first engineering
nounA way of building things by starting with the big rules and ideas before the small details.
The team used principles-first engineering to design the bridge, deciding on safety and strength before choosing any materials.
SYNONYMS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. An approach that solves problems by reasoning from basic truths rather than copying existing solutions.
By applying principles-first engineering, she rebuilt the engine from scratch instead of tweaking the old one.
3. A teaching style that explains core concepts before showing practical techniques.
The course on principles-first engineering covered physics and materials before any hands-on building.
4. A project strategy that locks in key constraints and goals before detailed planning begins.
Principles-first engineering saved them from costly redesigns because the core requirements were settled early.