What is a word, in any language, for the concept of solving a problem
within or created by a set of unnecessary, even disadvantageous,
constraints.

An example would be padding the top frame of doors that you make 5
feet high rather than make the frame larger.

I am looking for any conceptualization of this idea by any culture or
language. Stories about it would be great, or just the word.

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Request for Question Clarification by umiat-ga on 11 Nov 2006 23:37 PST

Color me simple, but it sound like "adapt" -  "adapting" - or
"adaption" would fit the bill. Yes?

To make suitable to or fit for a specific use or situation.
http://www.answers.com/topic/adapt

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Request for Question Clarification by sublime1-ga on 12 Nov 2006 00:08 PST

judson...

The first thing that comes to mind is 'a conundrum', one of the
meanings of which is, "an intricate and difficult problem".

This could easily be the closest adaptation to, "an intricate
and UNNECCESARILY difficult problem".

Let me know what you think...

sublime1-ga

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Clarification of Question by judson-ga on 12 Nov 2006 01:01 PST

No, I was hoping for the concept you also include the idea that the
constraints are unnecessary, or not real. In the door example the
designer _should_ make the door higher.

If you want to use "adapt" the definition would be something like: an
efficient adaptation to perceived (though nonexistent) constraints,
making the total adaptation inefficient.

I am a native English speaker, and am not expecting a normal English
word. I'm hoping for some other cultural reference, or perhaps a
technical English term from a field like systems theory or psychology.

In the UK we call it 'bodging'

Perhaps a bastardized or misbegotten solution?

'Folly' comes to mind.

A complex solution to a simple problem might be referred to as a "Rube
Goldberg" solution.

http://www.answers.com/topic/rube-goldberg

http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?va=Rube+Goldberg

I'm thinking more MacGyver than Rube Goldberg...being able to solve a
difficult technical problem under severe constraints, without the
tools, or parts,or even (gasp!) the manual.

And the word that comes to mind is 'makeshift', or a bit more
obscurely, 'jury' (as in jury-rig, rather than 12 Angry Men).

How's that grab ya?


paf

Second suggestion:  ill-conceived

How about the phrase "A camel is a horse designed by committee"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design_by_committee

nectar

As a follow-on, some of the phrases under anti-pattern, although
mostly computer related, seem appropriate.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Anti-patterns
Glad to see Microsoft in there under DLL hell.

or: sophistic, illogical, fallacious.

nectar