Pitfalls to avoid when brainstorming the 2011 game and robot

[Siri]

In the past, our major problem with brainstorming was that we just didn't spend enough time on it. Often we'd skip right over considering the game and strategy straight to robot design, and even then not really plan what we were trying to achieve. (Note: always set and document quantifiable/testable requirements. Always. And then work to them. ) We're working on it and are going to hold a practice kickoff soon with a different game to practice what we've learned.

Most important lesson: slow down. Brainstorming and requirement setting is a very important process. Give it the time it deserves. Attached is the picture I use to convey this to my design teams in college. (borrowed with permission: Penn State Systems Engineering)

Originally Posted by davidthefat

Our team took the KISS route last year, I can't say from experience because that was my first year, but looking at archives, our team did better when we went more complex. Like the omnidirectional drive a few years ago, they got an award, we didn't get one last year. The KISS method brought a very generic robot. Sure its robust and "reliable" (Not really, our robot broke down and stuff) but how is that innovative? Sounds more like imitation to me.

You may be confusing KISS with over-simplicity. KISS tends focus on reducing over-engineered systems to more streamlined ones; improving reliability while retaining the same (or better) functionality. This keeps the focus on improve/sustained performance, which is the goal of any innovation. Sure, if resources or experience limit your maximum functionality, your engineering will and should echo that. If you've got the ability though, there's no particular reason KISS should give you a generic robot. Heck, the term was coined by the lead engineer at Skunk Works.

If it works better for your team, consider using the Einstein verbiage, "everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler". Or even Saint-Exupéry's, "perfection is reached not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away".