shortcut - A simplified way to complete a task, often by bypassing steps in a process; or a path or way that reduces the usual time or distance required to reach a destination.

He surprised the teacher by figuring out a shortcut method of solving the math problem that saved time compared to the method she had taught before.
tinker - Attempt to repair or improve something in a casual or desultory way, often to no useful effect

Mitch tried to tinker with his computer before realizing that it was more broken that he had thought, and that he had to bring it to the computer store to have a professional repair it.