The excitement of finding a solution to a problem is undeniable, but adhering to the correct procedures and methodologies, though less thrilling, leads to more desirable outcomes. This approach prevents the need to backtrack to the project’s start with little or no time left, which often results in failure.
This scenario nearly unfolded in a group project I was involved in, where we veered off course and began creating a prototype before even determining the stakeholders’ needs and requirements.
However, after a group meeting that included a new member—an Aeronautical Engineering student with experience leading group projects—every member concurred that we should refocus on the research phase.