👉 Surplus engineering refers to the practice of designing and producing products or systems that exceed the immediate needs or expected usage of their intended market. This surplus is often a result of over-engineering, where engineers anticipate future requirements or potential technological advancements to ensure longevity and adaptability. While this can lead to innovative, robust solutions that may not be fully utilized in the short term, surplus engineering can also result in higher costs, increased waste, and a misallocation of resources if not managed carefully. It represents a trade-off between foresight and practicality, balancing the benefits of future-proofing against the immediate economic and environmental impacts.
