IMO it's about understanding the solution curve in the problem space. Every problem type has a range of possible solutions. Most of these solutions are wrong and a few are correct with different tradeoffs. When you can't do better without making tradeoffs, you're on the curve.
Novice engineers will struggle to get something done. Intermediate engineers can get things done but fail to see the tradeoffs. Expert engineers can identify possible solutions with different approaches.
Novice engineers will struggle to get something done. Intermediate engineers can get things done but fail to see the tradeoffs. Expert engineers can identify possible solutions with different approaches.