Decomposition

The task of building a habitable island in the middle of the ocean seems daunting at first glance. Even the highest-level decomposition of this super-task greatly simplifies it. More precisely, it makes it less frightening.

The entire construction of the Island is divided into three conditional parts: a floating base, a living area, and a life support system.

Obviously, each part will have its own set of characteristics dictated by the requirements of the technical specifications. Each part will develop over time a complex internal structure to provide the necessary characteristics - first the minimum necessary, and then increasingly more advanced ones. Interaction must be established between these three parts so that they can coexist peacefully.

However, at the initial stage, each of these parts is developed separately, without taking into account the characteristics of the other two and the interrelationships between all three.

Let's start with the floating base.

Here, too, it is not necessary to immediately solve the super-task - to describe and implement all possible (and seemingly necessary) functions of the base. It makes sense, as in the first step of decomposition, to identify large functional blocks.

It is sufficient to identify three, maximum four functional blocks:

• a block responsible for buoyancy (experienced sailors forgive me);

• a block that provides support for the residential area and life support systems;

• blocks responsible for scaling and restoring the base.

Now let's work on the block responsible for buoyancy.

Again, in order not to scare ourselves with unique tasks, it makes sense to look for analogies. In this case, they lay on the surface. Namely, on the surface of the water. But it is not worth immediately tackling complex structures - all kinds of ships, sea or oceanic. Our Island is an island for staying on the water, not for traveling between continents. Therefore, the closest analogy will be a raft. Well, or a pontoon, if you like.

I don't know about you, but I used to build rafts in my childhood. Easy!

And now, let's go from simple to complex. But we must start again with the simple. With the necessary and sufficient. With the formulation of the necessary and sufficient characteristics of our raft.

What will be the first and most important condition? Correct. Stay afloat.

Shall we go further?

to be continued...