I have a strange request. I?m writing an article about how computer scientists need to explain what they do in a much simpler way if they want to inspire young people to go into the field. I want to make a comparison using a car sale for example.
If you want to sell your car to someone, you would say: It?s very fuel efficient. It has low mileage. It?s very safe. You wouldn?t say: ?. And this is where I need the help. What is the most technical, complicated way to say ?it?s very fuel efficient, it has low mileage, and it?s very safe?? For example, if I wanted to say ?join the thread together? in a complex way I would say ?concatenate the cotton filament.? That?s the kind of thing I?m looking for. Would appreciate any help with this. THANKS!
You just need to get the attention of some military vets. and you will be flodded with answers.
The most technical way would be to quote the actual numbers. That’s the opposite of the most complicated way.
The most complicated way would be to describe the technologies incorporated into the design and exactly how they accomplish maximum utilization of the energy available in the fuel, discuss how the low mileage it has campares with the mileage of the average used car, and discuss the safety technologies in the car and exactly how they make the car safer. Technical description (for example) of how variable valve technology allows the cylinders to pull in more fuel mix and expend the exhaust with less restriction.
I don’t think there’s an easy answer to this.
I think you’re analogy should be more from an automotive engineer’s perspective than a mechanic. You’re talking about someone who designs and programs computers, not someone who repairs them, right? IMHO- mechanics are pretty straight shooters for the most part. They tell it like it is…
Engineer:
This vehicle is able to maximize the available energy in the fuel and produce the most forward motion possible for a given volume of fuel.
Mechanic:
Freakin’ engineers, I’d like to see one of them come down here and fix this %^$#. Morons.
Translation:
it is fuel efficient
Engineer:
If we compare usage history from our like data set, we find this unit to be on the low side of the mean value.
Mechanic:
This car is cherry. Some old lady must’ve drove it to church and back.
Translation:
it has low mileage
Engineer:
The propensity for injury has been minimized through careful design and strict adherence to process controls during construction.
Mechanic:
Did I mention those freakin’ engineers? I’d like to see one of them come down here and fix this %^$#. Morons.
Translation:
It is safe
Just kidding!
BTW- I think they’ll be more successful at engaging young minds if they can not only explain it in simple terms but also relate the work to something meaningful in their world (e.g. video rendering in gaming programs, algorithms used for audio compression on their MP3 players or autonomous robotic control as a few examples.