Universal Systems
Model
(U.S.M.)
A problem solving method and project proposal
Please follow along and take notes in your notebook!
Note taking will be prompted with green lettering and bongo drums 
Definitely take notes on topics in light green!
Introduction
• Delta High Technology classes require you to be
problem solvers!
• The following slides will present
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Why USM?
USM Flowchart
Input description
Process description
Output description
Feedback description
Conclusion
Bing Images. (2011). Thomas Edison.
Retrieved from
http://redes.moderna.com.br/wpcontent/uploads/2012/09/ThomasEdison.jpg
"Genius is one per cent inspiration and
ninety-nine per cent perspiration.
Accordingly, a 'genius' is often merely a
talented person who has done all of his or
her homework."
Thomas Edison
“I never did anything worth doing entirely
by accident.... Almost none of my
inventions were derived in that manner.
They were achieved by having trained
myself to be analytical and to endure and
tolerate hard work.”
Thomas Edison
Why USM?
• Provides a systematic approach to solving a problem
or project completion
• So you can plan ahead in your solution process
• So you don’t continually try the same solution
• Provides a systematic way to record your results
• For your own reference/benefit
• To share with others
• So they don’t try the same things
• So they can improve from where you left off
Bing Images. (2012). Problem Solving.
Retrieved from
http://www.andrewhuffer.com.au/wpcontent/uploads/2010/12/problem_solving4.j
pg
USM Process
What was the result
of the solution you
applied this time?
Feedback
(Quality Control)
Which solution
are you
applying?
Input
(The Problem)
If you have not
found a solution go
back through
Process!
Describe the
problem
Process
(Ideas/Solutions)
Output
(Apply)
How are you going
to solve the
problem? (A list)
Input
• Define the problem/proposal in your own words
• Problem: “My car won’t start”
• Proposal: “I will construct a time machine!”
• The inputs for various problems/proposals – could be…
• Information- to solve a problem, or construct a project
•
Perhaps: research, data, plans, or blueprints
• Materials- physical resources to aid in solution
•
Perhaps: lumber, concrete, paper, or space
• Tools- the devices and machines that aid you
•
Perhaps: wrenches, bulldozers, pencils, or markers
• People- human resources needed
•
Perhaps: carpenters, iron workers, laborers, or researchers
• Capital- Financial backing of the project
•
Perhaps: cash, land trade, stock or bond sales
• Time- the interval/”How long?”
•
Perhaps: minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, or years
• Energy- the force that drives a project
•
Perhaps: commercials, slogans, mission statements, or philosophies
Bing Images. (2012).Plug and Outlet.
Retrieved from
http://static5.depositphotos.com/100597
9/444/i/950/depositphotos_4440145Person-Lifting-Power-Plug-to-ElectricalOutlet.jpg
Process
• Where you begin to take action
• List possible solutions to problem
• “Charge the battery”
• “Change the fuse”
• “No gas in the tank”
• List materials necessary for first proposed solution
• Battery charger
• Explain steps to be taken
• Hook up the charger to battery overnight
Bing Images. (2012). Process.
Retrived from
http://www.jcpe.ie/resources
/webquests/TheHumanBodyL
TDOct/Images/process.jpg
Output
Bing Images. (2010). Output. Retrieved from http://www.exhibitsalive.com/modules/_images/IPOBLK.JPG
• Apply your possible solution to the problem!
• Take the charger and go do what you said!
• What was the result?
• Was it “yes”?
• Was it “no”?
Bing Images. (2009). Output Device. Retrieved from
http://www.zevendesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/outputdevice.jpg
Feedback
• Did the solution work?
• Yes! The car started!
• Note what was done
• Note how it worked
• Decide if you would change/improve the process
Bing Images. (2011).
Feedback). Retrieved from
http://reflectionspn.files.w
ordpress.com/2011/08/fee
dback.jpg
• No!
• Go back to the process stage and apply the next possible
solution (Change the fuse?)
• Provide any observations you had
• Battery terminals were corroded. Maybe it didn’t get a good
charge?
Conclusion
• You probably already have an informal system to
solve a problem
• As you get older and have greater responsibilities
you will need a more formal system to solve
problems or make a project proposal
• The USM is not the only method, but is very similar
to others and will provide you with good practice
for your future!
“Opportunity is missed by most people
because it is dressed in overalls and
looks like work.”
Thomas Edison