What are other problem-solving techniques? – Part 3

Design thinking:

Is a variation on creative problem solving by combining steps and renaming them:

• Clarify: this would be equivalent to steps 1 to 3 in the Creative problem-solving process (the topic I covered the last two weeks, if you missed it see here and here).
• Ideate: this is the equivalent of step 4, where you use your divergent thinking and come up with as many ideas as possible
• Develop: this is equivalent to step 5, and where you would use your convergent thinking and come up with the ideas that you develop.
• Implement: this is then equivalent to steps 6 and 7 (plan and act), and it all comes down to planning the next steps needed to act.

This method is often used for design as the name suggests but is also used in business to come up with creative solutions to problems faced in business situations.  

These next techniques may help at one or more stage of any of the creative problem-solving methods:

Creating a problem story: This technique helps to identify the problem by creating a story.

1. Identify an undesired phenomenon: It can be simple or complex.
2. Move forward in time: Does the problem worsen? Does it get better? Does it matter?
3. Move backward in time: Where does it start? Is it better or worse?
4. Break the chains (inversion and neutralization): Can you exchange the wording, so you have the opposite of the problem to deal with? (Inversion) Can you think of a method to remove or neutralize the problem?

This technique is often used in engineering. However, in writing, as we are creating a story by itself, it may be an interesting way to plan out your ideas. It can also apply to problems with arts as well.

Brainstorming: This technique is another term for the idea generation phase. It is coming up with the most ideas in the least amount of time. The important part here is not to censor (as mentioned in the past few articles) Censoring limits creativity.

Alternate Worlds: Imagine what someone living in another world would do. This may seem a silly thing to do but changing perspective can be just what is needed to come up with great ideas. And ideas we wouldn’t necessarily think of if we didn’t think of the problem in a different context.

Analytical problem solving:

These techniques are usually used to come up with ideas in a more data-driven way. They are often used in an engineering context. However, knowing what these techniques are can help try new ways of solving problems in a more creative context. And even help improve your creativity in a more grounded and data driven way.

Root cause Analysis: As the name implies, you find the root cause of the problem you are facing using this method and then can find a solution that can hopefully prevent the reoccurrence of the problem. The main steps of this process are similar to the others already mentioned except you have data to analyse and inform your final solution decision.

1. Identify the problem
2. Gather data
3. Analyse the problem (The article I read identified three main groups of causes – concrete or physical, individual, or human error and system or organizational). Some examples of tools used at this step are Pareto analysis or fishbone diagrams. They are interesting methods but more complex for more creatives to deal with but they would have some interesting applications in creative situations as well.
   • Cause and Effect Analysis: This is another term for fishbone diagrams which uses brainstorming and mind-mapping to visually analyse and identify causes of problems. I recommend doing an image search for this term so you can have an idea of what it looks like.
4. Solve the problem: after analysis and data gathering, the theory is that it is much easier to find a solution if the problem and what causes it is understood.

The benefits of this method are that you can react faster (more data driven and less subjective in what a good idea actually is). You can even prevent problems by the understanding gained of the root cause of the problem and you can communicate the issue in detail to a team. This technique is usually used in a team context, but I can see applications for individuals that don’t mind documenting and analysing.

The Simplex Process: Another variation on the creative problem-solving process, this one has eight steps that uses critical thinking and a systematic approach to solve complex problems.

Step 1 Problem finding

Step 2 Fact finding

Step 3 Problem Definition

Step 4 Idea Finding

Step 5 Evaluation and Selection

Step 6 Action Planning

Step 7 Gaining acceptance

Step 8 Action

This technique is also mostly used in group settings (hence the added gaining acceptance for the idea that is chosen and that can then be acted on) Especially, if you have limited resources (time, funds or personnel). There are even classes from universities that explain what it is and how to lead a group in this process. Perhaps not necessary in every context but learning how to solve problems in innovative and creative ways is definitely a useful skill to have.

All these techniques that I’ve been talking about in the last few weeks can help us develop better methods of coming up with answers to problems in ways that are more creative and innovative. As creatives we may feel that we “have” to be creative in our problem solving, but just like anyone else it may be that the pressure for coming up with “good” creative ideas may actually stifle our creativity. Understanding the process and what type of thinking goes into each step can help us, and not just the creative people either, but anyone come up with solutions to problems. See what you can come up with and try to reach out of your comfort zone as well. It is how we grow.

Have any of these techniques piqued your curiosity? Do any of these techniques surprise you? How would you solve a problem? Do you know any other techniques I haven’t covered here? Please leave a comment.

Thank you for reading.

“If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.”

–          Abraham Maslow

Resources

https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/what-is-creative-problem-solving

https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/creative-problem-solving.htm

What Is Root Cause Analysis? Definition, Tools and Benefits | Indeed.com

https://morassociates.com/insight/jim-bruce/simplex-process-%E2%80%93-robust-creative-problem-solving-process

Cause and Effect Diagram (aka Ishikawa, Fishbone)