#273 - Parallel Processing vs. APQP: Why Sequential Design Caps Outcomes
Sun Jan 25 2026
In this solo episode of Building Better, I explore a pattern I see everywhere. In engineering, in leadership, and in life.
Most systems are built sequentially. One decision at a time. One optimization at a time. One fix after another. That approach works. It is safe. It prevents disasters.
But it rarely produces truly great outcomes.
Using product development and APQP as a starting point, I contrast sequential design with parallel processing. Learning late versus pulling understanding forward. Optimizing parts versus optimizing the system.
I then zoom out beyond engineering to show how the same pattern shows up in home projects, health, parenting, and how we design our lives and organizations.
This episode is about capability, foresight, and the difference between reacting your way to “good enough” and designing for something better from the start.
Music credit
Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod
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In this solo episode of Building Better, I explore a pattern I see everywhere. In engineering, in leadership, and in life. Most systems are built sequentially. One decision at a time. One optimization at a time. One fix after another. That approach works. It is safe. It prevents disasters. But it rarely produces truly great outcomes. Using product development and APQP as a starting point, I contrast sequential design with parallel processing. Learning late versus pulling understanding forward. Optimizing parts versus optimizing the system. I then zoom out beyond engineering to show how the same pattern shows up in home projects, health, parenting, and how we design our lives and organizations. This episode is about capability, foresight, and the difference between reacting your way to “good enough” and designing for something better from the start. Music credit Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod