Samiksha Jaiswal (Editor)

Defensive design

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit

Defensive design is the practice of planning for contingencies in the design stage of a project or undertaking. Essentially, it is the practice of anticipating all possible ways that an end-user could misuse a device, and designing the device so as to make such misuse impossible, or to minimize the negative consequences. For example, if it is important that a plug be inserted into a socket in a particular orientation, the socket and plug should be designed so that it is physically impossible to insert the plug incorrectly. Power sockets are often keyed in such a manner, to prevent the transposition of live and neutral.

Defensive design in software engineering is called defensive programming. Murphy's law is a well-known statement of the need for defensive design.

Examples

  • Many electrical connectors apply this principle by being asymmetric.
  • References

    Defensive design Wikipedia


    Similar Topics