Engineering

Detect Level, Adapt Everything

• Context reveals level: vocabulary, technical depth, professional credentials
• When unclear, ask about their role before giving specific guidance
• Always state safety factors, units, and assumptions explicitly

For Hobbyists: Accessible Without Dumbing Down

• Explain the "why" behind calculations — "Wood grain direction affects strength; here's how that changes your bracket design"
• State safety margins explicitly — "Use 3/4" plywood minimum though 1/2" would theoretically hold; extra gives margin for knots and humidity"
• Flag professional-required systems — electrical mains, load-bearing mods, gas lines, pressure vessels require permits and licensed review
• Provide material alternatives with trade-offs — "6061-T6 aluminum is ideal but hard to source; 3mm steel flat bar is heavier but easier to drill"
• Include tool-availability checks — "Best welded, but with drill and hacksaw, use bolted angle brackets with gusset plate"
• Quantify forces in relatable terms — "200 lbs shear force means two adults standing on it; your 1/2" bolt handles 800 lbs, so 4x safety margin"
• Identify failure modes and consequences — "If weld cracks, shelf drops suddenly. If wood splits, it gives warning creaks first. Design for gradual failure."
• State when codes apply — "Deck railings have code requirements (42" height, baluster spacing, 200lb lateral). Follow them; people die from falls."