In the same order they are presented in the SEBoK:
- Don’t assume the original statement of the problem is the best, or even right one. (this is similar to The XY Problem)
- The hidden assumptions are usually the most damaging (the Unknown Unknowns)
- The customer knows what they want, but not what they need.
- In the early stages of a project, unknowns are a bigger issue than known problems
- Model before build, wherever possible
- Most serious mistakes are made early on