The statement “If it’s worth doing at all, it’s worth doing poorly” is often used to encourage people to take action even if they feel they cannot achieve perfection. It is a reminder that it is better to try and fail than to never try at all. In the context of creating a new system, this statement can be interpreted to mean that a new system needs to be able to work even in a discounted or sub-optimal state.

When designing a new system, engineers and designers often strive for perfection. They want the system to work flawlessly, with no downtime, and with maximum efficiency. However, this approach can lead to a system that is fragile and cannot withstand unexpected events or changes in the environment.

A system that is designed to work in a discounted state, on the other hand, is one that can function even when some components are not working at full capacity or when there are disruptions in the environment. It is a system that can adapt to changing circumstances and still perform its essential functions.

For example, consider a power grid that is designed to work only when all its components are functioning perfectly. If there is a disruption, such as a storm or a malfunctioning component, the entire system can fail. However, if the power grid is designed to work in a discounted state, it can still function even if some of its components are not working optimally.

Another example is a software system that is designed to work in a discounted state. If the system is designed to work only when all the servers are running smoothly, then any disruption to one of the servers can cause the entire system to fail. However, if the system is designed to work in a discounted state, it can still function even if one or more servers are down.

Designing a system to work in a discounted state requires a different approach than designing a perfect system. It requires anticipating and planning for possible disruptions and failures. It also requires building redundancies and backups into the system to ensure that it can continue to function even when some components are not working at full capacity.

In conclusion, the statement “If it’s worth doing at all, it’s worth doing poorly” can be applied to the design of new systems. It suggests that a system should be designed to work in a discounted or sub-optimal state, rather than striving for perfection. A system that is designed to work in a discounted state is one that can adapt to changing circumstances and still perform its essential functions. This approach requires anticipating and planning for possible disruptions and failures, as well as building redundancies and backups into the system. Ultimately, designing a system to work in a discounted state can lead to a more robust and reliable system that can withstand unexpected events and continue to function when other systems fail.