The key difference between the examples of a bridge and a superconductor lies in the level of knowledge.
Bridge construction is predictable because the physical principles that explain the necessary properties are already well understood. These principles allow for the development of software that can analyze and simulate potential risks, enabling engineers to make precise adjustments to minimize those risks.
In contrast, the development of a superconductor is an unpredictable process, as the underlying principles are not yet fully understood. Additionally, there are many uncontrollable variables involved in the synthesis process. As a result, researchers must rely on trial and error through various approaches to achieve the desired material properties.