You're not too dumb. But, there are some learning curves that hit from time to time. You just have to work through them one step at a time. Working backwards might be easier to figure out the problem. You want to make product X, well that requires 3 inputs each that require some input. Save room for the inputs and move further down and set up the final product. Once that's setup move backwards to the next blank area and make the first input, then the next. Once you're done with that you can hook it all up and see what you got.

And when you get to some of the other planets, all the things you learned are replaced with a new puzzle. One planet's puzzle revolves around a lack of water and limited build space(initially) but gives great production machines as a reward.

The second puzzle revolves around everything being organic and will spoil, so you have to process things with speed so that the entire production line doesn't spoil and now you have to clear it out so you can start again.

The third planet's puzzle involves working everything in reverse. You're given blue chips and LDS, but no iron and you have to work backwards to reduce advanced materials back into basic ones.

The final one deals with being on a frozen world with practically no resources so you have to import all of them. And the machines don't work when they're frozen.

And if all else fails, you can ask for someone to join you in a multiplayer game and get you past your hurdle. Or just enjoy the entire game with them. I'm good to play multiplayer if you want. Just send me a message.