Design Patterns in Science

Design patterns are reusable solutions to commonly occurring problems within a given context. For example if I write a computer function to present a stimulus, I reuse that function in all future experiments.

The same heuristic can be applied to other recurring problems in science, ranging from lab maintenance (e.g., having a current consent form) to creating sustainable lab culture (e.g., training new researchers).

It worth spending time to create and maintain the infrastructure to solve a problem only once. As I create a deliverable, I also create a separate file of notes and steps that enabled me to solve the problem. My design element kit includes both the final product and production capacity elements.

The real art is applying the same design patterns across problems and projects.