Design Paradigms: Case Histories of Error and Judgment in Engineering

I read this book when it first came out in 1994, and have just finished re-reading it. I can attest that the lessons which emerge from Dr. Petroski's study of structural engineering failures have proved valuable throughout my career, particularly when designing bridges which pushed the envelope. Indeed, any engineer aiming to be innovative in any way needs to temper that laudable ambition with a serious and even somber study of how things have gone wrong in the past, and this book is an excellent vehicle for that purpose. Beyond the study of engineering failure, as a fringe benefit, the book also provides nice discussion of important episodes from the history of structural engineering. Such historical perspective is usually lacking among engineers both in practice and academia. Yet this is a subject which engineers would ideally be exposed to throughout their careers, not just during the leisurely and retrospective years of retirement. To give a balanced review, allow me to point out a few minor negatives. First, the writing style is sometimes a bit stuffy, and a more plainspoken style would have made the book more appealing. Second, there's a good bit of repetition throughout the book; shortening and focusing the book would have improved it. Third, the case studies mostly involve bridges; this will obviously please bridge engineers, but will reduce appeal for readers seeking a more diverse range of case studies. In sum however, the book is an excellent and valuable contribution from Dr. Petroski, and we should be especially thankful that it exists considering the lack of literature on this important topic, especially at a scholarly level. Highly recommended for bridge engineers and other structural engineers at all stages of their careers - indeed, a "must read."

Many technical professionals (and others as well) think technology has the answers and the solutions to many of the issues / failures we have experienced in the past. WRONG!! Read this precious book to understand why. Although somewhat dated (considerting we are in 2006) - the basic tenets still apply. Be forewarned - you need to read it with an open mind and a willingness to be brutally honest about your answers when the author poses some questions to you. With such a paradigm, you will find the book full of value in understanding the types of errors we make as humans. Once you recognize these, preventing them can become feasible. But, just realizing that is not enough, you will need to change (which is very hard to do) some habits that the workplace has built into you over time. Enjoy - and be error free...if you can, if you care...

I came across this title while researching the parallels between traditional professional engineering and systems engineering. Petroski makes a compelling case for us to formally study our failures in systems engineering - not for laying blame, but in order to continually improve our processes, assumptions, beliefs, methods, and thinking patterns. Using case studies from bridge building, ship building, and other construction feats, Petroski show us how errors in scalability, design changes, selective use of history, logic, and human factors can lead to disasterous consequences. If you care about public safety and want to see any industry progress to a real level of professionalism, read and study this work.