Heuristic (/hjuːˈrɪs.tɪk/) is an adjective for methods that help in problem solving, in turn leading to learning and discovery. These methods in most cases employ experimentation and trial-and-error techniques. A heuristic method is particularly used to rapidly come to a solution that is reasonably close to the best possible answer, or 'optimal solution'. Heuristics are "rules of thumb", educated guesses, intuitive judgments or simply common sense. Heuristics (hyu-ˈris-tiks) as a noun is another name for heuristic methods.

In more precise terms, heuristics stand for strategies using readily accessible, though loosely applicable, information to control problem solving in human beings and machines.^[1] Forensic engineering is an important tool in tracing defects in products and processes. The Heuristic Model or commonly referred to as the (gut-level approach) is a simplified method of decision making that put emphasis on internal personality attributes of the decision maker.