What reasoning method did the engineer use to address the design issue?

The engineer utilized analogical reasoning to tackle the design issue. This method involves drawing parallels between a current problem and similar situations that have been successfully resolved in the past. By recognizing patterns and similarities, the engineer can extrapolate solutions from established scenarios that may share characteristics with the current challenge. This approach is particularly useful in engineering, where analogous systems or designs may provide insights into effective solutions.

For instance, if an engineer faced a design problem similar to a successfully implemented previous project, they might use knowledge from that experience to inform their current design decisions. This type of reasoning not only helps in generating innovative solutions but also reinforces the practical application of existing knowledge to new contexts.