[taeric]

I don't disagree that it is a skill that can be learned. Quite the contrary. I just feel that likely the best way to learn this skill is to first build a few systems that aren't loosely coupled first. Consider the analogy for building cars. Before you try and build a continuous transmission system, first get a direct drive one working. Then, determine what would need to be messed with to put basic gearing in place....

Now the major trick here is that this breaks down in categories that are effectively already solved. Which is why many of the examples are obnoxious to the point of unhelpful. If you know how to break something down to where it is loosely coupled parts already, I feel you should definitely do so.