Systems engineering, on the surface, might seem like a field dominated by logic, order, and strict processes. After all, it’s about creating, analyzing, and improving complex systems. But, here’s the twist: the magic often happens when engineers think outside the box, or, as I like to put it, when they embrace a bit of illogical thinking. It’s the ability to connect seemingly unrelated ideas that can lead to the most innovative solutions.

Let me take you back to a project I worked on a few years ago. A healthcare group was struggling with a problem: they were seeing a whopping 33,000 patients a month, but the referral rates from these patients were surprisingly low. They had excellent services, yet something wasn’t clicking. The logical approach would be to dive into the data, analyze patient feedback, and optimize existing processes. But this time, I decided to approach the problem from a different angle.

I thought about my own experiences as a patient and what would genuinely add value to my healthcare journey. What if, instead of just focusing on the clinical side, we could enhance the overall patient experience? What if we could make healthcare feel more personal and engaging?

That’s when the idea hit me: an app tailored for patients. This app would serve as a comprehensive healthcare companion. It would include features like appointment scheduling, reminders, personalized health tips, and even a forum for patients to connect and share their experiences. The goal was to make patients feel more involved and cared for, beyond the typical clinical interactions.

Developing this app required a mix of logical and illogical thinking. On one hand, I had to ensure that the app was functional, secure, and user-friendly. On the other hand, I had to think creatively about what features would genuinely engage patients and encourage them to use the app regularly. It wasn’t about following a straight line from point A to point B; it was about exploring multiple pathways, some of which seemed unrelated at first glance.

For instance, we introduced a feature that allowed patients to set health goals and track their progress. This wasn’t directly related to referrals, but it added value by promoting a sense of achievement and involvement in their own healthcare. We also included a feedback section where patients could share their thoughts on the services they received, making them feel heard and valued.

The results were astonishing. Not only did the app receive positive feedback from patients, but it also led to an increase in referral rates. Patients felt more connected to their healthcare providers and were more likely to recommend the services to others. It was a win-win situation.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson: sometimes, the best solutions come from connecting the dots in unexpected ways. Systems engineering isn’t just about following rules and processes; it’s also about daring to think differently, to explore uncharted territories, and to blend logic with creativity.

So, next time you’re faced with a complex problem, try to think beyond the obvious. Allow yourself to wander into the realm of illogical ideas, because that’s where innovation often hides. And remember, the journey from problem to solution isn’t always a straight line – sometimes, it’s a winding road filled with surprising discoveries.