10 Laws of Problem Solving
A starting guide...
Hello Problem Solvers! Thank you to those subscribers who continue to support this newsletter on Substack, and welcome to those new subscribers interested in the subject of problem solving!
These 10 Laws of Problem Solving represent some of the most basic, yet important considerations when approaching a problem (defined as an obstacle or barrier that prevents progress towards some goal). To be sure, this is nowhere near an exhaustive list. In future newsletters, I will write about many more “Laws of Problem Solving.”
I sincerely hope that you find this list informative and helpful!
Law 1: REAL PROBLEMS HAVE REAL SOLUTIONS.
If a problem does not have a solution, by definition, it is not a problem.
(In poor English: If it don’t got a solution, it ain’t a problem!)
A suggestion: It can be futile to worry about problems that cannot be solved, so concentrate on those problems that can be solved, have value, and that help others.
Beware of chasing solutions to non-existent or fake problems.
Be sure that you really have a problem that has a rational, reasonable, and valid solution that is not just question, speculation, or complaint.
Often, apparent problems masquerade as questions that do not have answers, speculations which have no clear conclusions, examinations of counterfactuals that do not exist/cannot be demonstrated, or complaints that have no satisfactory resolutions.
For more discussion on this topic, please read my newsletters:
“A Problem Defined”
“Problem Based Questions”
Law 2: UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM THROUGHLY
Fully understand your problem by defining it, by considering its development, knowing its initial conditions, and researching it before you attempt to solve it.
Ignorance of what constitutes the nature of a problem can cause much wasted effort. This will also save a lot of time chasing false solutions.
Dynamic problems are ones that have changing conditions (that is they evolve over time) and static problems generally remain the same.
For more discussion on this topic, please read my newsletters:
“Static and Dynamic Problems”
“Problems Everywhere”
Law 3: CONSIDER ALL VARIABLES AND CONSTANTS IN A PROBLEM
Understand all the variables that are part of the problem; isolate independent variables from dependent variables and constants (unchanging values). Be cognizant of intervening variables and the interplay among those variables (rates of change in each variable). Look at the initial conditions of a problem and how those (may) evolve.
Law 4: MOST FUNCTIONAL PROBLEMS EVOLVE DYNAMICALLY AS BROKEN, MISUNDERSTOOD, OR INCOMPLETE PARTS OF SYSTEMS
If the problem is part of a larger system, part of a class/group/array, or part of a linked sequence (of problems) that are related to each other, thoroughly examine that system or link to understand how that system or process works.
Operational faults are often the cause of problems. Systemic failures of an operation or operations within a larger system can be traced backwards to their origin. Examine functional components of a system to see if they are working as intended.
For more discussion on this topic, please read my newsletters:
“Problem Solving and Systems: Part 1”
“Problem Solving and Systems: Part 2”
Law 5: NOT EVERY PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE OR SHOULD BE SOLVED
Some problems should not be solved, either for moral, ethical, pragmatic, or theoretical reasons. Furthermore, wasted time, effort and resources on problems that should not be solved diverts attention to those problems which need to be solved.
History is replete with problems that have led to tragic solutions.
As in medicine, DO NO HARM! Be thoughtful about whether your solution will be beneficial in both the short and long term. Take account of the implications of any solutions you may arrive at so that you are aware of any outcomes that may negatively affect others.
Therefore, always make sure that your solutions are positive (or at least neutral) and contribute to the betterment of humanity.
Law 6: A SOLUTION TO ONE PROBLEM OFTEN CREATES ANOTHER MORE DIFFICULT PROBLEM
Cascading problems are like tsunamis…often the first wave is deceptively small, but the buildup of incoming waves can be catastrophic.
Law 7: A PROBLEM MAY HAVE MANY SUBOPTIMAL SOLUTIONS…LOOK FOR THE BEST SOLUTION
Beware of fake (appearing real) solutions to problems: certain promising solutions can masquerade as solutions that go down paths that end up nowhere, or worse, suggest false cures that end up doing damage.
Ask this: Does the solution actually work, both in theory and in practice? Is the solution as good as you can come up with, or is there a better solution?
Reminder: A solution that once worked may not work anymore because of changing conditions.
Law 8: A PROBLEM MAY HAVE A THEORETICAL SOLUTION WHICH IS UNATTAINABLE OR TOO COSTLY IN PRACTICE
Solutions to a problem may exist in theory, but in reality are unachievable because of a lack or shortness of resources (time, money, effort).
Zero-sum solutions are ones where the cost is equal to the benefit. Negative solutions exist where the cost exceeds the benefit.
Law 9: THE BEST SOLUTIONS SOLVE MANY DIFFERENT PROBLEMS
All solutions (if there are more than one) may not be equal. Solutions that can solve multiple problems simultaneously are particularly valuable
For instance, there are many ways to accomplish a goal (a problem), but some ways might be better because they create new roads to the solutions of a whole class of problems.
Law 10: BREAK A PROBLEM INTO PIECES (OR STEPS) TO SOLVE IT MORE EASILY AND WORK BACKWARDS
Break problems up into smaller pieces, because partial solutions often add up to full solutions.
Problems are like puzzles that have pieces that need to be fitted together to see the whole picture.
Work backwards from a potential solution to the origin of the problem to see if those steps may work.
Anyway, those were was the first ten laws…more Problem Solving Laws to follow.
Finally, two more pieces of advice:
First, I would advise all problem solvers to approach problems with knowledge and understanding. This will make you a more confident and successful problem solver.
Second, appreciation of the value of problem solving techniques and the utilization of the right techniques can make your problem more easily solvable.
Please look for future newsletters as we explore problem solving together…
It is my sincerest hope that your problem solving journeys are successful!
Happy Problem Solving!
Evan