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Problem solving: ideas and frameworks explained

A collection of ideas, frameworks and techniques related to Problem solving, explained clearly so they are easy to understand and share.

Build your own panel of advisors and mentors example of the invisible counselors with Mum, Uncle Jim, your science teacher, Marcus Aurelius and LincolnBuild Your Panel of Advisors to Ask for AdviceWhat is the paradise paradox explained with a person on a city balcony dreaming of a beach where a person is dreaming of the cityThe paradise paradoxMuddy puddle leaky ceilings - James Clear's model of two types of problemsMuddy puddles, leaky ceilingsThe XY Problem (or X-Y Problem): a child tries to reach a balloon by precariously stacking chairsand asks how they can stick them together to someone outside of the room who, eventually, wonders what for?The XY ProblemPoint positive illustration: Rafters pointing towards the safe way down a rapids for a swimmer in the water rather than pointing towards the dangersPoint positiveLabyrinth maze: A person lost in a maze with many choices and a person thoughtfully walking through a labyrinth following the path inexorably and peacefully towards the centre Labyrinths and mazesSolvitur Ambulando illustration: this phrase from Greek philosopher Diogenes, is represented by an individual walking a winding route around a large open space in nature. When they set out, the thick, dark scribble above them represents a jumbled mind of thoughts. In the distance, about half-way around the scribble is fading. And as they reach the end of their walk the shining lightbulb above them signifies clarity of thought. Translated from Greek, Solvitur ambulando means: "It is solved by walking".Solvitur ambulandoWhat is Rubberducking? Example explanation: a developer talks through their problem with the “therapist” rubber duck on their desk, only to discover the insight they need. Often useful for debugging.What is Rubberducking? An Explanation of the Rubber Duck Debugging TechniqueThe Smart Little People problem-solving method from TRIZ: someone wonders how little people would solve a technical problem of fixing a leakSmart little peopleEdward De Bono's Six thinking hats framework with the 6 thinking hats: White, Red, Black, Yellow, Green and BlueSix thinking hatsCheap disposable objectsResolve a contradiction through separation

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