What factors should you consider when evaluating solution feasibility?

1 Define feasibility

Feasibility is the extent to which a solution can be successfully implemented and sustained in a specific context. It depends on various factors, such as technical, economic, social, ethical, legal, and environmental aspects. Feasibility is not a binary concept, but rather a spectrum that ranges from highly feasible to highly infeasible. Therefore, you need to define what feasibility means for your problem and your criteria for measuring it.

2 Assess technical feasibility

Technical feasibility refers to the availability and suitability of the tools, skills, knowledge, and methods required to execute the solution. You need to consider whether you have or can acquire the necessary technology, equipment, materials, and expertise to implement the solution. You also need to evaluate whether the solution is compatible with the existing systems, processes, and standards that you operate within. Technical feasibility can be assessed by testing, prototyping, or simulating the solution.

4 Assess social feasibility

Social feasibility refers to the acceptance and support of the solution by the stakeholders, users, and beneficiaries involved in or affected by the problem. You need to consider whether the solution meets the needs, expectations, and preferences of the target audience and whether it aligns with their values, beliefs, and norms. You also need to anticipate and address any potential resistance, conflict, or backlash that the solution might encounter. Social feasibility can be assessed by conducting surveys, interviews, focus groups, or feedback sessions.

5 Assess ethical feasibility

Ethical feasibility refers to the moral implications and consequences of the solution in relation to the relevant principles, standards, and codes of conduct. You need to consider whether the solution respects the rights, dignity, and welfare of the people and entities involved in or affected by the problem. You also need to identify and mitigate any potential risks, harms, or dilemmas that the solution might pose. Ethical feasibility can be assessed by applying ethical frameworks, such as utilitarianism, deontology, or virtue ethics.

6 Assess legal feasibility

Legal feasibility refers to the compliance and compatibility of the solution with the applicable laws, regulations, policies, and contracts. You need to consider whether the solution follows the rules and obligations that govern your problem domain and whether it protects your rights and interests. You also need to avoid and resolve any potential disputes, violations, or liabilities that the solution might cause. Legal feasibility can be assessed by consulting legal experts, reviewing relevant documents, or conducting audits.

7 Assess environmental feasibility

Environmental feasibility refers to the impact and sustainability of the solution in relation to the natural resources, ecosystems, and climate. You need to consider whether the solution minimizes the negative effects and maximizes the positive effects on the environment and whether it adapts to the changing environmental conditions. You also need to contribute to the global goals and initiatives for environmental protection and conservation. Environmental feasibility can be assessed by conducting an environmental impact assessment, a life cycle assessment, or a carbon footprint analysis.