I would say go for module design approach and try to use plug and play modules in the designs. Prioritize the major customer requirements based on deliveries. Ensure that all complex requirements are being taken care from the beginning. Always keep room for scalability in the design which can be validated later.

Ante plazos ajustados en diseño, prioriza según los objetivos del proyecto. Si la entrega rápida es crítica, elige soluciones fiables y probadas para minimizar riesgos. En cambio, si el proyecto requiere diferenciarse o competir en el mercado, destina tiempo a la innovación en áreas clave. Considera un enfoque híbrido: usa componentes o diseños ya validados donde sea posible, y enfoca la creatividad en aspectos estratégicos. Comunica claramente las implicaciones de cada opción a las partes interesadas para gestionar expectativas. La clave está en equilibrar riesgos sin comprometer la calidad final.

I prefer to reframe the specifications based on the customer requirements and priorities. Use the modular approach for features while design and development. Consider adding the chronological debug prints to shorten the defects fixing time. Estimate the actual and buffer work capacity early ahead. Have a backup plan to by borrowing additional capacity from other team.

When faced with tight deadlines, I balance innovation and reliability by prioritizing structure with flexibility. I start by assessing project scope to identify high-value features, ensuring core components are prioritized. I rely on proven methods for efficient execution, creating a strong project foundation. Simultaneously, I set aside focused time for creative brainstorming, allowing innovation to surface without affecting the timeline. This structured approach lets me deliver reliable, timely solutions while fostering innovative ideas under pressure.

All starts and end in team work. Assign the tasks to the right member of the team, so steps can be done in the right way and quick. Document everything. Develop accurate procedures for end-user and troubleshooting. Do not ever rely in only one person to develop one part of the project. At least one more individual should be involved and must have knowledge and expertise of the specific task. Make all the project information accessible to the other members of the team. In my experience, this is key in project development and R&D in general.

The advice in this 'article' would apply to any design project, not just one time limited. They're all time limited and no one should start a design planning to use up all the time anyway, testing and production is always going to be the lion's share of the work. Focus on solving the problem statement and prioritising usability so the customer actually drives maximum benefit. As ever innovation and reliability need to be balanced but perhaps not getting to sucked into pointless innovation. Without reliability your design is fairly useless, innovation may be necessary to solve the problem efficiently but if the customer needs a hammer... Just give them the best hammer you can.

A delicate balancing act. When deadlines loom, I’d lean on what’s been tested and true to meet immediate goals. But I’d carve out small pockets of time to inject innovative elements wherever possible. Think of it as a foundation of reliability with sprinkles of innovation. You can't afford to risk the whole project on untested ideas, but you don't want to completely stifle creativity either.

The following can save time and enable possibility for innovation with least risk. 1. Avoid re-inventing wheel; instead customize Tyre based on requirement. 2. Modularize the design to allow room for innovations when in future. 3. Gauge the reliability requirement of a modules depends on its exposure and design least required controls. 4. With help of risk assessment, Identity module that has least risk of exposure or failure or impact - there's your room for innovation. 5. Avoid non-essential features that can introduce potential exposure or can impact essential features.

When time is short I lean towards reliability. All the greatest features and ideas aren't worth much if they product doesn't work. If the product works reliably you will likely have time to add features later.