11: CUSHION IN ADVANCE (BEFORE-HAND CUSHIONING)
Cushion in Advance (Before-hand Cushioning) is the practice of preparing an emergency backup, safety buffer, or protective layer in advance to compensate for the low reliability or unpredictable risks of an object—it's a 'safety net' approach that ensures even if the primary system fails, the damage is minimized or avoided.
This principle is expressed in three common moves:
•
Prepare emergency means in advance to compensate for the relatively low reliability of an object;
•
Use a sacrificial part or layer that can take the damage instead of the main component;
•
Implement redundant safety systems that activate only in case of emergency;
Why "Cushion in Advance" creates innovation?
When you design for failure and risk, you unlock safety and long-term reliability:
1.
Higher reliability and trust: users feel safer using a system that has a visible and effective backup plan.
2.
Reduced damage and cost: when a failure occurs, the 'cushion' absorbs the hit, so you only replace the safety part, not the whole system.
3.
Better hazard management: risks are anticipated and neutralized before they cause a catastrophe.
4.
Improved system life: protecting the main components from peak loads or errors ensures they last longer.