Solution Design: The Key to Better Software—and a Better Life
- Evan Nossel
- Apr 8
- 4 min read
At BluShift, we believe that fresh perspectives drive innovation, and our team is always growing with incredible talent. This time, we’re handing over the keyboard to Melania, one of our brilliant team members, to share her insights in this edition of Shifted Perspectives. Melania has a passion for solution design and has taken it to the next level—exploring how she can apply it not just to software development, but to her own life as well.
Solution design is at the core of building effective systems—not just in software but in everyday life. It is the structured process of identifying a problem, analyzing the root cause, and designing an effective, scalable solution before jumping into action. When developing software, solution design ensures that we don’t waste time coding the wrong thing. In life, it helps us anticipate challenges and avoid common pitfalls before they happen.
I first learned the power of solution design through software development. However, the more I applied it to my work, the more I realised that this same approach could help me solve challenges in my personal life.
The key takeaway? Great solutions don’t just happen. They are designed. Whether you’re building a complex system or simply planning a holiday, the process is exactly the same.
The Solution Design Roadmap
Every effective system (be it a software application or a personal goal) follows a structured problem-solving approach. The roadmap to designing a great solution consists of these critical steps:
1. Understand the Real Problem
The biggest mistake people make when solving problems is jumping to quick fixes instead of understanding the root cause. This is why research is crucial.
One of the best ways to get to the bottom of an issue is the 5 Whys technique, which helps dig deeper into the real reason behind a problem.
Example in Software:
A company is getting complaints that customer orders are delayed. At first glance, the problem might seem like slow delivery times. But if we ask "why" multiple times, we might find a deeper routed issue, such as:
Poor order management.
Unstructured driver assignments.
Lack of real-time tracking.
Fixing delivery speed alone wouldn’t solve the real problem. The backend system needs optimization first.
Example in Life:
Imagine you want to wake up early but struggle with it. You could set an alarm for 5 AM and hope for the best—or you could ask:
Why am I struggling to wake up? → Because I sleep too late.
Why do I sleep late? → Because I scroll on my phone in bed.
Why do I scroll on my phone? → Because I don’t feel tired enough to sleep.
Why don’t I feel tired? → Because I drink coffee late in the day.
The real issue isn’t waking up early—it’s caffeine and bedtime habits. That’s what needs fixing.
2. Define the Scope (Start Small with an MVP)
Once the real problem is identified, the next step is figuring out what to fix first.
In software, this means creating an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)—a simple, functional version of the system with only the essential features.
Example in Software:
For an online food delivery system, an MVP might include:
Customers placing an order.
Orders appearing in a dashboard.
Staff updating the order status.
Advanced features like automated tracking and AI-based recommendations can come later.
Example in Life:
Say you want to start working out. Instead of committing to an unrealistic six-day-a-week gym plan, you start with:
Two days per week.
Adjusting your routine as you build consistency.
Adding an extra element to your training, such as weight training, after the habit is solid.
A small, well-planned start is better than an overwhelming, unsustainable plan.
3. Map Out the Process (Use flow charts)
With the problem defined and the scope set, the next step is designing how things will work before building them.
In software, flowcharts visually represent how a system moves from one step to the next.
Example in Software:
A food delivery system flowchart might look like this:
This clear roadmap prevents confusion, missing steps, or delays when implementing the system.
Example in Life:
Planning a holiday also benefits from a flowchart. Instead of just saying, “I want to travel,” you can break down all the components as such:
Research possible destinations.
Set a travel budget.
Compare flight and accommodation options.
Book flights and hotels.
Plan key activities.
Check visa and vaccination requirements.
Pack essentials.
By mapping it out step by step, you reduce last-minute surprises and stress.
4. Structure Information (Using ERDs for Data & Budgeting)
In software, data organisation is critical. Systems use Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERDs) to define how different pieces of information connect.
Example in Software:
A food delivery app ERD might include:
Properly structured data prevents duplication and improves efficiency.
Example in Life:
Planning a vacation also involves structuring information—particularly your budget.
Income (Travel savings, monthly income).
Expenses (Flights, hotels, food, activities).
Emergency Fund (Unexpected costs, medical, transport hiccups).
Without a clear budget structure, you risk running out of money halfway through your trip.
5. Test, Deploy, and Adjust (The Continuous Improvement Cycle)
Even after a system is designed, testing and refinement are key. No solution is perfect from the start—iteration is necessary.
Example in Software:
After launching a new app feature, companies collect real user feedback, monitor performance, and release updates to improve usability.
Example in Life:
After returning from a vacation, reflecting on what worked and what didn’t improves future trips.
Were flights booked too late, leading to high costs?
Did certain parts of the itinerary feel rushed?
Was there enough buffer time for delays?
By analyzing past experiences, you design a better future experience.
Solution Design Is an Ongoing Skill—In Software and in Life
The best businesses, developers, and leaders understand that great solutions don’t appear overnight. They are the result of intentional design, careful iteration, and continuous learning.
The same applies to our personal lives.
A well-designed system—whether a food delivery app, a personal budget, or a travel itinerary—is one that:
Anticipates roadblocks.
Starts small and scales over time.
Is continuously improved through testing and feedback.
The more we practice solution design thinking, the better we become at problem-solving—both in our careers and in daily life.
So the next time you face a challenge, whether it’s planning a trip, setting new goals, or optimizing work processes, pause and ask yourself:
Am I designing my solution—or just reacting to problems?
Because the truth is, every great outcome starts with great design.
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