How can optimization reveal useful functions that were not included in an original design?

In systems engineering, optimization—often conducted through trade-off studies—reveals that a system’s components may possess latent capabilities beyond their initial design requirements.1

By constructing a mathematical model to analyze system interactions, engineers can determine if equipment is capable of significantly better performance than originally requested, often at only a nominal increase in cost. Through this process, it may become apparent that a system can supply useful functions not originally contemplated; for instance, computing systems are frequently found to be capable of performing extra record-keeping tasks with little additional investment.1

These optimization studies are essential during both the early exploratory phases and the final design, as they allow engineers to evaluate whether proposed goals are reasonable and identify opportunities to maximize the utility of the existing system architecture.1