In fact, if we summarize the application of OO so far in the literature (see
the annotated reference list), then this slide summarizes the principle.
Basically, we use a very crude surrogate model to predict the relative rank
order of various design choices. While these surrogate models estimate the
performance value very poorly, they can be very good in estimating order,
particularly if we soften the goal of order alignment. Note we use the term
"surrogate model" in a very broad sense including operating the
system in question under different environments, e.g., to estimate the rank of
highly reliable systems using accelerated aging or adverse operating
conditions in order to save time.
In this sense, all engineering analysis is based on the same principle. The
only point we are emphasizing here is that for some purposes the models need
not be as precise as we are taught to strive for.