35 problem-solving techniques and methods for solving complex problems

Problem solving workshop

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All teams and organizations encounter challenges as they grow. There are problems that might occur for teams when it comes to miscommunication or resolving business-critical issues . You may face challenges around growth , design , user engagement, and even team culture and happiness. In short, problem-solving techniques should be part of every team’s skillset.

Problem-solving methods are primarily designed to help a group or team through a process of first identifying problems and challenges , ideating possible solutions , and then evaluating the most suitable .

Finding effective solutions to complex problems isn’t easy, but by using the right process and techniques, you can help your team be more efficient in the process.

So how do you develop strategies that are engaging, and empower your team to solve problems effectively?

In this blog post, we share a series of problem-solving tools you can use in your next workshop or team meeting. You’ll also find some tips for facilitating the process and how to enable others to solve complex problems.

Let’s get started! 

How do you identify problems?

How do you identify the right solution.

  • Tips for more effective problem-solving

Complete problem-solving methods

  • Problem-solving techniques to identify and analyze problems
  • Problem-solving techniques for developing solutions

Problem-solving warm-up activities

Closing activities for a problem-solving process.

Before you can move towards finding the right solution for a given problem, you first need to identify and define the problem you wish to solve. 

Here, you want to clearly articulate what the problem is and allow your group to do the same. Remember that everyone in a group is likely to have differing perspectives and alignment is necessary in order to help the group move forward. 

Identifying a problem accurately also requires that all members of a group are able to contribute their views in an open and safe manner. It can be scary for people to stand up and contribute, especially if the problems or challenges are emotive or personal in nature. Be sure to try and create a psychologically safe space for these kinds of discussions.

Remember that problem analysis and further discussion are also important. Not taking the time to fully analyze and discuss a challenge can result in the development of solutions that are not fit for purpose or do not address the underlying issue.

Successfully identifying and then analyzing a problem means facilitating a group through activities designed to help them clearly and honestly articulate their thoughts and produce usable insight.

With this data, you might then produce a problem statement that clearly describes the problem you wish to be addressed and also state the goal of any process you undertake to tackle this issue.  

Finding solutions is the end goal of any process. Complex organizational challenges can only be solved with an appropriate solution but discovering them requires using the right problem-solving tool.

After you’ve explored a problem and discussed ideas, you need to help a team discuss and choose the right solution. Consensus tools and methods such as those below help a group explore possible solutions before then voting for the best. They’re a great way to tap into the collective intelligence of the group for great results!

Remember that the process is often iterative. Great problem solvers often roadtest a viable solution in a measured way to see what works too. While you might not get the right solution on your first try, the methods below help teams land on the most likely to succeed solution while also holding space for improvement.

Every effective problem solving process begins with an agenda . A well-structured workshop is one of the best methods for successfully guiding a group from exploring a problem to implementing a solution.

In SessionLab, it’s easy to go from an idea to a complete agenda . Start by dragging and dropping your core problem solving activities into place . Add timings, breaks and necessary materials before sharing your agenda with your colleagues.

The resulting agenda will be your guide to an effective and productive problem solving session that will also help you stay organized on the day!

solving complex problems techniques

Tips for more effective problem solving

Problem-solving activities are only one part of the puzzle. While a great method can help unlock your team’s ability to solve problems, without a thoughtful approach and strong facilitation the solutions may not be fit for purpose.

Let’s take a look at some problem-solving tips you can apply to any process to help it be a success!

Clearly define the problem

Jumping straight to solutions can be tempting, though without first clearly articulating a problem, the solution might not be the right one. Many of the problem-solving activities below include sections where the problem is explored and clearly defined before moving on.

This is a vital part of the problem-solving process and taking the time to fully define an issue can save time and effort later. A clear definition helps identify irrelevant information and it also ensures that your team sets off on the right track.

Don’t jump to conclusions

It’s easy for groups to exhibit cognitive bias or have preconceived ideas about both problems and potential solutions. Be sure to back up any problem statements or potential solutions with facts, research, and adequate forethought.

The best techniques ask participants to be methodical and challenge preconceived notions. Make sure you give the group enough time and space to collect relevant information and consider the problem in a new way. By approaching the process with a clear, rational mindset, you’ll often find that better solutions are more forthcoming.  

Try different approaches  

Problems come in all shapes and sizes and so too should the methods you use to solve them. If you find that one approach isn’t yielding results and your team isn’t finding different solutions, try mixing it up. You’ll be surprised at how using a new creative activity can unblock your team and generate great solutions.

Don’t take it personally 

Depending on the nature of your team or organizational problems, it’s easy for conversations to get heated. While it’s good for participants to be engaged in the discussions, ensure that emotions don’t run too high and that blame isn’t thrown around while finding solutions.

You’re all in it together, and even if your team or area is seeing problems, that isn’t necessarily a disparagement of you personally. Using facilitation skills to manage group dynamics is one effective method of helping conversations be more constructive.

Get the right people in the room

Your problem-solving method is often only as effective as the group using it. Getting the right people on the job and managing the number of people present is important too!

If the group is too small, you may not get enough different perspectives to effectively solve a problem. If the group is too large, you can go round and round during the ideation stages.

Creating the right group makeup is also important in ensuring you have the necessary expertise and skillset to both identify and follow up on potential solutions. Carefully consider who to include at each stage to help ensure your problem-solving method is followed and positioned for success.

Document everything

The best solutions can take refinement, iteration, and reflection to come out. Get into a habit of documenting your process in order to keep all the learnings from the session and to allow ideas to mature and develop. Many of the methods below involve the creation of documents or shared resources. Be sure to keep and share these so everyone can benefit from the work done!

Bring a facilitator 

Facilitation is all about making group processes easier. With a subject as potentially emotive and important as problem-solving, having an impartial third party in the form of a facilitator can make all the difference in finding great solutions and keeping the process moving. Consider bringing a facilitator to your problem-solving session to get better results and generate meaningful solutions!

Develop your problem-solving skills

It takes time and practice to be an effective problem solver. While some roles or participants might more naturally gravitate towards problem-solving, it can take development and planning to help everyone create better solutions.

You might develop a training program, run a problem-solving workshop or simply ask your team to practice using the techniques below. Check out our post on problem-solving skills to see how you and your group can develop the right mental process and be more resilient to issues too!

Design a great agenda

Workshops are a great format for solving problems. With the right approach, you can focus a group and help them find the solutions to their own problems. But designing a process can be time-consuming and finding the right activities can be difficult.

Check out our workshop planning guide to level-up your agenda design and start running more effective workshops. Need inspiration? Check out templates designed by expert facilitators to help you kickstart your process!

In this section, we’ll look at in-depth problem-solving methods that provide a complete end-to-end process for developing effective solutions. These will help guide your team from the discovery and definition of a problem through to delivering the right solution.

If you’re looking for an all-encompassing method or problem-solving model, these processes are a great place to start. They’ll ask your team to challenge preconceived ideas and adopt a mindset for solving problems more effectively.

  • Six Thinking Hats
  • Lightning Decision Jam
  • Problem Definition Process
  • Discovery & Action Dialogue
Design Sprint 2.0
  • Open Space Technology

1. Six Thinking Hats

Individual approaches to solving a problem can be very different based on what team or role an individual holds. It can be easy for existing biases or perspectives to find their way into the mix, or for internal politics to direct a conversation.

Six Thinking Hats is a classic method for identifying the problems that need to be solved and enables your team to consider them from different angles, whether that is by focusing on facts and data, creative solutions, or by considering why a particular solution might not work.

Like all problem-solving frameworks, Six Thinking Hats is effective at helping teams remove roadblocks from a conversation or discussion and come to terms with all the aspects necessary to solve complex problems.

2. Lightning Decision Jam

Featured courtesy of Jonathan Courtney of AJ&Smart Berlin, Lightning Decision Jam is one of those strategies that should be in every facilitation toolbox. Exploring problems and finding solutions is often creative in nature, though as with any creative process, there is the potential to lose focus and get lost.

Unstructured discussions might get you there in the end, but it’s much more effective to use a method that creates a clear process and team focus.

In Lightning Decision Jam, participants are invited to begin by writing challenges, concerns, or mistakes on post-its without discussing them before then being invited by the moderator to present them to the group.

From there, the team vote on which problems to solve and are guided through steps that will allow them to reframe those problems, create solutions and then decide what to execute on. 

By deciding the problems that need to be solved as a team before moving on, this group process is great for ensuring the whole team is aligned and can take ownership over the next stages. 

Lightning Decision Jam (LDJ)   #action   #decision making   #problem solving   #issue analysis   #innovation   #design   #remote-friendly   The problem with anything that requires creative thinking is that it’s easy to get lost—lose focus and fall into the trap of having useless, open-ended, unstructured discussions. Here’s the most effective solution I’ve found: Replace all open, unstructured discussion with a clear process. What to use this exercise for: Anything which requires a group of people to make decisions, solve problems or discuss challenges. It’s always good to frame an LDJ session with a broad topic, here are some examples: The conversion flow of our checkout Our internal design process How we organise events Keeping up with our competition Improving sales flow

3. Problem Definition Process

While problems can be complex, the problem-solving methods you use to identify and solve those problems can often be simple in design. 

By taking the time to truly identify and define a problem before asking the group to reframe the challenge as an opportunity, this method is a great way to enable change.

Begin by identifying a focus question and exploring the ways in which it manifests before splitting into five teams who will each consider the problem using a different method: escape, reversal, exaggeration, distortion or wishful. Teams develop a problem objective and create ideas in line with their method before then feeding them back to the group.

This method is great for enabling in-depth discussions while also creating space for finding creative solutions too!

Problem Definition   #problem solving   #idea generation   #creativity   #online   #remote-friendly   A problem solving technique to define a problem, challenge or opportunity and to generate ideas.

4. The 5 Whys 

Sometimes, a group needs to go further with their strategies and analyze the root cause at the heart of organizational issues. An RCA or root cause analysis is the process of identifying what is at the heart of business problems or recurring challenges. 

The 5 Whys is a simple and effective method of helping a group go find the root cause of any problem or challenge and conduct analysis that will deliver results. 

By beginning with the creation of a problem statement and going through five stages to refine it, The 5 Whys provides everything you need to truly discover the cause of an issue.

The 5 Whys   #hyperisland   #innovation   This simple and powerful method is useful for getting to the core of a problem or challenge. As the title suggests, the group defines a problems, then asks the question “why” five times, often using the resulting explanation as a starting point for creative problem solving.

5. World Cafe

World Cafe is a simple but powerful facilitation technique to help bigger groups to focus their energy and attention on solving complex problems.

World Cafe enables this approach by creating a relaxed atmosphere where participants are able to self-organize and explore topics relevant and important to them which are themed around a central problem-solving purpose. Create the right atmosphere by modeling your space after a cafe and after guiding the group through the method, let them take the lead!

Making problem-solving a part of your organization’s culture in the long term can be a difficult undertaking. More approachable formats like World Cafe can be especially effective in bringing people unfamiliar with workshops into the fold. 

World Cafe   #hyperisland   #innovation   #issue analysis   World Café is a simple yet powerful method, originated by Juanita Brown, for enabling meaningful conversations driven completely by participants and the topics that are relevant and important to them. Facilitators create a cafe-style space and provide simple guidelines. Participants then self-organize and explore a set of relevant topics or questions for conversation.

6. Discovery & Action Dialogue (DAD)

One of the best approaches is to create a safe space for a group to share and discover practices and behaviors that can help them find their own solutions.

With DAD, you can help a group choose which problems they wish to solve and which approaches they will take to do so. It’s great at helping remove resistance to change and can help get buy-in at every level too!

This process of enabling frontline ownership is great in ensuring follow-through and is one of the methods you will want in your toolbox as a facilitator.

Discovery & Action Dialogue (DAD)   #idea generation   #liberating structures   #action   #issue analysis   #remote-friendly   DADs make it easy for a group or community to discover practices and behaviors that enable some individuals (without access to special resources and facing the same constraints) to find better solutions than their peers to common problems. These are called positive deviant (PD) behaviors and practices. DADs make it possible for people in the group, unit, or community to discover by themselves these PD practices. DADs also create favorable conditions for stimulating participants’ creativity in spaces where they can feel safe to invent new and more effective practices. Resistance to change evaporates as participants are unleashed to choose freely which practices they will adopt or try and which problems they will tackle. DADs make it possible to achieve frontline ownership of solutions.

7. Design Sprint 2.0

Want to see how a team can solve big problems and move forward with prototyping and testing solutions in a few days? The Design Sprint 2.0 template from Jake Knapp, author of Sprint, is a complete agenda for a with proven results.

Developing the right agenda can involve difficult but necessary planning. Ensuring all the correct steps are followed can also be stressful or time-consuming depending on your level of experience.

Use this complete 4-day workshop template if you are finding there is no obvious solution to your challenge and want to focus your team around a specific problem that might require a shortcut to launching a minimum viable product or waiting for the organization-wide implementation of a solution.

8. Open space technology

Open space technology- developed by Harrison Owen – creates a space where large groups are invited to take ownership of their problem solving and lead individual sessions. Open space technology is a great format when you have a great deal of expertise and insight in the room and want to allow for different takes and approaches on a particular theme or problem you need to be solved.

Start by bringing your participants together to align around a central theme and focus their efforts. Explain the ground rules to help guide the problem-solving process and then invite members to identify any issue connecting to the central theme that they are interested in and are prepared to take responsibility for.

Once participants have decided on their approach to the core theme, they write their issue on a piece of paper, announce it to the group, pick a session time and place, and post the paper on the wall. As the wall fills up with sessions, the group is then invited to join the sessions that interest them the most and which they can contribute to, then you’re ready to begin!

Everyone joins the problem-solving group they’ve signed up to, record the discussion and if appropriate, findings can then be shared with the rest of the group afterward.

Open Space Technology   #action plan   #idea generation   #problem solving   #issue analysis   #large group   #online   #remote-friendly   Open Space is a methodology for large groups to create their agenda discerning important topics for discussion, suitable for conferences, community gatherings and whole system facilitation

Techniques to identify and analyze problems

Using a problem-solving method to help a team identify and analyze a problem can be a quick and effective addition to any workshop or meeting.

While further actions are always necessary, you can generate momentum and alignment easily, and these activities are a great place to get started.

We’ve put together this list of techniques to help you and your team with problem identification, analysis, and discussion that sets the foundation for developing effective solutions.

Let’s take a look!

  • The Creativity Dice
  • Fishbone Analysis
  • Problem Tree
  • SWOT Analysis
  • Agreement-Certainty Matrix
  • The Journalistic Six
  • LEGO Challenge
  • What, So What, Now What?
  • Journalists

Individual and group perspectives are incredibly important, but what happens if people are set in their minds and need a change of perspective in order to approach a problem more effectively?

Flip It is a method we love because it is both simple to understand and run, and allows groups to understand how their perspectives and biases are formed. 

Participants in Flip It are first invited to consider concerns, issues, or problems from a perspective of fear and write them on a flip chart. Then, the group is asked to consider those same issues from a perspective of hope and flip their understanding.  

No problem and solution is free from existing bias and by changing perspectives with Flip It, you can then develop a problem solving model quickly and effectively.

Flip It!   #gamestorming   #problem solving   #action   Often, a change in a problem or situation comes simply from a change in our perspectives. Flip It! is a quick game designed to show players that perspectives are made, not born.

10. The Creativity Dice

One of the most useful problem solving skills you can teach your team is of approaching challenges with creativity, flexibility, and openness. Games like The Creativity Dice allow teams to overcome the potential hurdle of too much linear thinking and approach the process with a sense of fun and speed. 

In The Creativity Dice, participants are organized around a topic and roll a dice to determine what they will work on for a period of 3 minutes at a time. They might roll a 3 and work on investigating factual information on the chosen topic. They might roll a 1 and work on identifying the specific goals, standards, or criteria for the session.

Encouraging rapid work and iteration while asking participants to be flexible are great skills to cultivate. Having a stage for idea incubation in this game is also important. Moments of pause can help ensure the ideas that are put forward are the most suitable. 

The Creativity Dice   #creativity   #problem solving   #thiagi   #issue analysis   Too much linear thinking is hazardous to creative problem solving. To be creative, you should approach the problem (or the opportunity) from different points of view. You should leave a thought hanging in mid-air and move to another. This skipping around prevents premature closure and lets your brain incubate one line of thought while you consciously pursue another.

11. Fishbone Analysis

Organizational or team challenges are rarely simple, and it’s important to remember that one problem can be an indication of something that goes deeper and may require further consideration to be solved.

Fishbone Analysis helps groups to dig deeper and understand the origins of a problem. It’s a great example of a root cause analysis method that is simple for everyone on a team to get their head around. 

Participants in this activity are asked to annotate a diagram of a fish, first adding the problem or issue to be worked on at the head of a fish before then brainstorming the root causes of the problem and adding them as bones on the fish. 

Using abstractions such as a diagram of a fish can really help a team break out of their regular thinking and develop a creative approach.

Fishbone Analysis   #problem solving   ##root cause analysis   #decision making   #online facilitation   A process to help identify and understand the origins of problems, issues or observations.

12. Problem Tree 

Encouraging visual thinking can be an essential part of many strategies. By simply reframing and clarifying problems, a group can move towards developing a problem solving model that works for them. 

In Problem Tree, groups are asked to first brainstorm a list of problems – these can be design problems, team problems or larger business problems – and then organize them into a hierarchy. The hierarchy could be from most important to least important or abstract to practical, though the key thing with problem solving games that involve this aspect is that your group has some way of managing and sorting all the issues that are raised.

Once you have a list of problems that need to be solved and have organized them accordingly, you’re then well-positioned for the next problem solving steps.

Problem tree   #define intentions   #create   #design   #issue analysis   A problem tree is a tool to clarify the hierarchy of problems addressed by the team within a design project; it represents high level problems or related sublevel problems.

13. SWOT Analysis

Chances are you’ve heard of the SWOT Analysis before. This problem-solving method focuses on identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats is a tried and tested method for both individuals and teams.

Start by creating a desired end state or outcome and bare this in mind – any process solving model is made more effective by knowing what you are moving towards. Create a quadrant made up of the four categories of a SWOT analysis and ask participants to generate ideas based on each of those quadrants.

Once you have those ideas assembled in their quadrants, cluster them together based on their affinity with other ideas. These clusters are then used to facilitate group conversations and move things forward. 

SWOT analysis   #gamestorming   #problem solving   #action   #meeting facilitation   The SWOT Analysis is a long-standing technique of looking at what we have, with respect to the desired end state, as well as what we could improve on. It gives us an opportunity to gauge approaching opportunities and dangers, and assess the seriousness of the conditions that affect our future. When we understand those conditions, we can influence what comes next.

14. Agreement-Certainty Matrix

Not every problem-solving approach is right for every challenge, and deciding on the right method for the challenge at hand is a key part of being an effective team.

The Agreement Certainty matrix helps teams align on the nature of the challenges facing them. By sorting problems from simple to chaotic, your team can understand what methods are suitable for each problem and what they can do to ensure effective results. 

If you are already using Liberating Structures techniques as part of your problem-solving strategy, the Agreement-Certainty Matrix can be an invaluable addition to your process. We’ve found it particularly if you are having issues with recurring problems in your organization and want to go deeper in understanding the root cause. 

Agreement-Certainty Matrix   #issue analysis   #liberating structures   #problem solving   You can help individuals or groups avoid the frequent mistake of trying to solve a problem with methods that are not adapted to the nature of their challenge. The combination of two questions makes it possible to easily sort challenges into four categories: simple, complicated, complex , and chaotic .  A problem is simple when it can be solved reliably with practices that are easy to duplicate.  It is complicated when experts are required to devise a sophisticated solution that will yield the desired results predictably.  A problem is complex when there are several valid ways to proceed but outcomes are not predictable in detail.  Chaotic is when the context is too turbulent to identify a path forward.  A loose analogy may be used to describe these differences: simple is like following a recipe, complicated like sending a rocket to the moon, complex like raising a child, and chaotic is like the game “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.”  The Liberating Structures Matching Matrix in Chapter 5 can be used as the first step to clarify the nature of a challenge and avoid the mismatches between problems and solutions that are frequently at the root of chronic, recurring problems.

Organizing and charting a team’s progress can be important in ensuring its success. SQUID (Sequential Question and Insight Diagram) is a great model that allows a team to effectively switch between giving questions and answers and develop the skills they need to stay on track throughout the process. 

Begin with two different colored sticky notes – one for questions and one for answers – and with your central topic (the head of the squid) on the board. Ask the group to first come up with a series of questions connected to their best guess of how to approach the topic. Ask the group to come up with answers to those questions, fix them to the board and connect them with a line. After some discussion, go back to question mode by responding to the generated answers or other points on the board.

It’s rewarding to see a diagram grow throughout the exercise, and a completed SQUID can provide a visual resource for future effort and as an example for other teams.

SQUID   #gamestorming   #project planning   #issue analysis   #problem solving   When exploring an information space, it’s important for a group to know where they are at any given time. By using SQUID, a group charts out the territory as they go and can navigate accordingly. SQUID stands for Sequential Question and Insight Diagram.

16. Speed Boat

To continue with our nautical theme, Speed Boat is a short and sweet activity that can help a team quickly identify what employees, clients or service users might have a problem with and analyze what might be standing in the way of achieving a solution.

Methods that allow for a group to make observations, have insights and obtain those eureka moments quickly are invaluable when trying to solve complex problems.

In Speed Boat, the approach is to first consider what anchors and challenges might be holding an organization (or boat) back. Bonus points if you are able to identify any sharks in the water and develop ideas that can also deal with competitors!   

Speed Boat   #gamestorming   #problem solving   #action   Speedboat is a short and sweet way to identify what your employees or clients don’t like about your product/service or what’s standing in the way of a desired goal.

17. The Journalistic Six

Some of the most effective ways of solving problems is by encouraging teams to be more inclusive and diverse in their thinking.

Based on the six key questions journalism students are taught to answer in articles and news stories, The Journalistic Six helps create teams to see the whole picture. By using who, what, when, where, why, and how to facilitate the conversation and encourage creative thinking, your team can make sure that the problem identification and problem analysis stages of the are covered exhaustively and thoughtfully. Reporter’s notebook and dictaphone optional.

The Journalistic Six – Who What When Where Why How   #idea generation   #issue analysis   #problem solving   #online   #creative thinking   #remote-friendly   A questioning method for generating, explaining, investigating ideas.

18. LEGO Challenge

Now for an activity that is a little out of the (toy) box. LEGO Serious Play is a facilitation methodology that can be used to improve creative thinking and problem-solving skills. 

The LEGO Challenge includes giving each member of the team an assignment that is hidden from the rest of the group while they create a structure without speaking.

What the LEGO challenge brings to the table is a fun working example of working with stakeholders who might not be on the same page to solve problems. Also, it’s LEGO! Who doesn’t love LEGO! 

LEGO Challenge   #hyperisland   #team   A team-building activity in which groups must work together to build a structure out of LEGO, but each individual has a secret “assignment” which makes the collaborative process more challenging. It emphasizes group communication, leadership dynamics, conflict, cooperation, patience and problem solving strategy.

19. What, So What, Now What?

If not carefully managed, the problem identification and problem analysis stages of the problem-solving process can actually create more problems and misunderstandings.

The What, So What, Now What? problem-solving activity is designed to help collect insights and move forward while also eliminating the possibility of disagreement when it comes to identifying, clarifying, and analyzing organizational or work problems. 

Facilitation is all about bringing groups together so that might work on a shared goal and the best problem-solving strategies ensure that teams are aligned in purpose, if not initially in opinion or insight.

Throughout the three steps of this game, you give everyone on a team to reflect on a problem by asking what happened, why it is important, and what actions should then be taken. 

This can be a great activity for bringing our individual perceptions about a problem or challenge and contextualizing it in a larger group setting. This is one of the most important problem-solving skills you can bring to your organization.

W³ – What, So What, Now What?   #issue analysis   #innovation   #liberating structures   You can help groups reflect on a shared experience in a way that builds understanding and spurs coordinated action while avoiding unproductive conflict. It is possible for every voice to be heard while simultaneously sifting for insights and shaping new direction. Progressing in stages makes this practical—from collecting facts about What Happened to making sense of these facts with So What and finally to what actions logically follow with Now What . The shared progression eliminates most of the misunderstandings that otherwise fuel disagreements about what to do. Voila!

20. Journalists  

Problem analysis can be one of the most important and decisive stages of all problem-solving tools. Sometimes, a team can become bogged down in the details and are unable to move forward.

Journalists is an activity that can avoid a group from getting stuck in the problem identification or problem analysis stages of the process.

In Journalists, the group is invited to draft the front page of a fictional newspaper and figure out what stories deserve to be on the cover and what headlines those stories will have. By reframing how your problems and challenges are approached, you can help a team move productively through the process and be better prepared for the steps to follow.

Journalists   #vision   #big picture   #issue analysis   #remote-friendly   This is an exercise to use when the group gets stuck in details and struggles to see the big picture. Also good for defining a vision.

Problem-solving techniques for developing solutions 

The success of any problem-solving process can be measured by the solutions it produces. After you’ve defined the issue, explored existing ideas, and ideated, it’s time to narrow down to the correct solution.

Use these problem-solving techniques when you want to help your team find consensus, compare possible solutions, and move towards taking action on a particular problem.

  • Improved Solutions
  • Four-Step Sketch
  • 15% Solutions
  • How-Now-Wow matrix
  • Impact Effort Matrix

21. Mindspin  

Brainstorming is part of the bread and butter of the problem-solving process and all problem-solving strategies benefit from getting ideas out and challenging a team to generate solutions quickly. 

With Mindspin, participants are encouraged not only to generate ideas but to do so under time constraints and by slamming down cards and passing them on. By doing multiple rounds, your team can begin with a free generation of possible solutions before moving on to developing those solutions and encouraging further ideation. 

This is one of our favorite problem-solving activities and can be great for keeping the energy up throughout the workshop. Remember the importance of helping people become engaged in the process – energizing problem-solving techniques like Mindspin can help ensure your team stays engaged and happy, even when the problems they’re coming together to solve are complex. 

MindSpin   #teampedia   #idea generation   #problem solving   #action   A fast and loud method to enhance brainstorming within a team. Since this activity has more than round ideas that are repetitive can be ruled out leaving more creative and innovative answers to the challenge.

22. Improved Solutions

After a team has successfully identified a problem and come up with a few solutions, it can be tempting to call the work of the problem-solving process complete. That said, the first solution is not necessarily the best, and by including a further review and reflection activity into your problem-solving model, you can ensure your group reaches the best possible result. 

One of a number of problem-solving games from Thiagi Group, Improved Solutions helps you go the extra mile and develop suggested solutions with close consideration and peer review. By supporting the discussion of several problems at once and by shifting team roles throughout, this problem-solving technique is a dynamic way of finding the best solution. 

Improved Solutions   #creativity   #thiagi   #problem solving   #action   #team   You can improve any solution by objectively reviewing its strengths and weaknesses and making suitable adjustments. In this creativity framegame, you improve the solutions to several problems. To maintain objective detachment, you deal with a different problem during each of six rounds and assume different roles (problem owner, consultant, basher, booster, enhancer, and evaluator) during each round. At the conclusion of the activity, each player ends up with two solutions to her problem.

23. Four Step Sketch

Creative thinking and visual ideation does not need to be confined to the opening stages of your problem-solving strategies. Exercises that include sketching and prototyping on paper can be effective at the solution finding and development stage of the process, and can be great for keeping a team engaged. 

By going from simple notes to a crazy 8s round that involves rapidly sketching 8 variations on their ideas before then producing a final solution sketch, the group is able to iterate quickly and visually. Problem-solving techniques like Four-Step Sketch are great if you have a group of different thinkers and want to change things up from a more textual or discussion-based approach.

Four-Step Sketch   #design sprint   #innovation   #idea generation   #remote-friendly   The four-step sketch is an exercise that helps people to create well-formed concepts through a structured process that includes: Review key information Start design work on paper,  Consider multiple variations , Create a detailed solution . This exercise is preceded by a set of other activities allowing the group to clarify the challenge they want to solve. See how the Four Step Sketch exercise fits into a Design Sprint

24. 15% Solutions

Some problems are simpler than others and with the right problem-solving activities, you can empower people to take immediate actions that can help create organizational change. 

Part of the liberating structures toolkit, 15% solutions is a problem-solving technique that focuses on finding and implementing solutions quickly. A process of iterating and making small changes quickly can help generate momentum and an appetite for solving complex problems.

Problem-solving strategies can live and die on whether people are onboard. Getting some quick wins is a great way of getting people behind the process.   

It can be extremely empowering for a team to realize that problem-solving techniques can be deployed quickly and easily and delineate between things they can positively impact and those things they cannot change. 

15% Solutions   #action   #liberating structures   #remote-friendly   You can reveal the actions, however small, that everyone can do immediately. At a minimum, these will create momentum, and that may make a BIG difference.  15% Solutions show that there is no reason to wait around, feel powerless, or fearful. They help people pick it up a level. They get individuals and the group to focus on what is within their discretion instead of what they cannot change.  With a very simple question, you can flip the conversation to what can be done and find solutions to big problems that are often distributed widely in places not known in advance. Shifting a few grains of sand may trigger a landslide and change the whole landscape.

25. How-Now-Wow Matrix

The problem-solving process is often creative, as complex problems usually require a change of thinking and creative response in order to find the best solutions. While it’s common for the first stages to encourage creative thinking, groups can often gravitate to familiar solutions when it comes to the end of the process. 

When selecting solutions, you don’t want to lose your creative energy! The How-Now-Wow Matrix from Gamestorming is a great problem-solving activity that enables a group to stay creative and think out of the box when it comes to selecting the right solution for a given problem.

Problem-solving techniques that encourage creative thinking and the ideation and selection of new solutions can be the most effective in organisational change. Give the How-Now-Wow Matrix a go, and not just for how pleasant it is to say out loud. 

How-Now-Wow Matrix   #gamestorming   #idea generation   #remote-friendly   When people want to develop new ideas, they most often think out of the box in the brainstorming or divergent phase. However, when it comes to convergence, people often end up picking ideas that are most familiar to them. This is called a ‘creative paradox’ or a ‘creadox’. The How-Now-Wow matrix is an idea selection tool that breaks the creadox by forcing people to weigh each idea on 2 parameters.

26. Impact and Effort Matrix

All problem-solving techniques hope to not only find solutions to a given problem or challenge but to find the best solution. When it comes to finding a solution, groups are invited to put on their decision-making hats and really think about how a proposed idea would work in practice. 

The Impact and Effort Matrix is one of the problem-solving techniques that fall into this camp, empowering participants to first generate ideas and then categorize them into a 2×2 matrix based on impact and effort.

Activities that invite critical thinking while remaining simple are invaluable. Use the Impact and Effort Matrix to move from ideation and towards evaluating potential solutions before then committing to them. 

Impact and Effort Matrix   #gamestorming   #decision making   #action   #remote-friendly   In this decision-making exercise, possible actions are mapped based on two factors: effort required to implement and potential impact. Categorizing ideas along these lines is a useful technique in decision making, as it obliges contributors to balance and evaluate suggested actions before committing to them.

27. Dotmocracy

If you’ve followed each of the problem-solving steps with your group successfully, you should move towards the end of your process with heaps of possible solutions developed with a specific problem in mind. But how do you help a group go from ideation to putting a solution into action? 

Dotmocracy – or Dot Voting -is a tried and tested method of helping a team in the problem-solving process make decisions and put actions in place with a degree of oversight and consensus. 

One of the problem-solving techniques that should be in every facilitator’s toolbox, Dot Voting is fast and effective and can help identify the most popular and best solutions and help bring a group to a decision effectively. 

Dotmocracy   #action   #decision making   #group prioritization   #hyperisland   #remote-friendly   Dotmocracy is a simple method for group prioritization or decision-making. It is not an activity on its own, but a method to use in processes where prioritization or decision-making is the aim. The method supports a group to quickly see which options are most popular or relevant. The options or ideas are written on post-its and stuck up on a wall for the whole group to see. Each person votes for the options they think are the strongest, and that information is used to inform a decision.

All facilitators know that warm-ups and icebreakers are useful for any workshop or group process. Problem-solving workshops are no different.

Use these problem-solving techniques to warm up a group and prepare them for the rest of the process. Activating your group by tapping into some of the top problem-solving skills can be one of the best ways to see great outcomes from your session.

  • Check-in/Check-out
  • Doodling Together
  • Show and Tell
  • Constellations
  • Draw a Tree

28. Check-in / Check-out

Solid processes are planned from beginning to end, and the best facilitators know that setting the tone and establishing a safe, open environment can be integral to a successful problem-solving process.

Check-in / Check-out is a great way to begin and/or bookend a problem-solving workshop. Checking in to a session emphasizes that everyone will be seen, heard, and expected to contribute. 

If you are running a series of meetings, setting a consistent pattern of checking in and checking out can really help your team get into a groove. We recommend this opening-closing activity for small to medium-sized groups though it can work with large groups if they’re disciplined!

Check-in / Check-out   #team   #opening   #closing   #hyperisland   #remote-friendly   Either checking-in or checking-out is a simple way for a team to open or close a process, symbolically and in a collaborative way. Checking-in/out invites each member in a group to be present, seen and heard, and to express a reflection or a feeling. Checking-in emphasizes presence, focus and group commitment; checking-out emphasizes reflection and symbolic closure.

29. Doodling Together  

Thinking creatively and not being afraid to make suggestions are important problem-solving skills for any group or team, and warming up by encouraging these behaviors is a great way to start. 

Doodling Together is one of our favorite creative ice breaker games – it’s quick, effective, and fun and can make all following problem-solving steps easier by encouraging a group to collaborate visually. By passing cards and adding additional items as they go, the workshop group gets into a groove of co-creation and idea development that is crucial to finding solutions to problems. 

Doodling Together   #collaboration   #creativity   #teamwork   #fun   #team   #visual methods   #energiser   #icebreaker   #remote-friendly   Create wild, weird and often funny postcards together & establish a group’s creative confidence.

30. Show and Tell

You might remember some version of Show and Tell from being a kid in school and it’s a great problem-solving activity to kick off a session.

Asking participants to prepare a little something before a workshop by bringing an object for show and tell can help them warm up before the session has even begun! Games that include a physical object can also help encourage early engagement before moving onto more big-picture thinking.

By asking your participants to tell stories about why they chose to bring a particular item to the group, you can help teams see things from new perspectives and see both differences and similarities in the way they approach a topic. Great groundwork for approaching a problem-solving process as a team! 

Show and Tell   #gamestorming   #action   #opening   #meeting facilitation   Show and Tell taps into the power of metaphors to reveal players’ underlying assumptions and associations around a topic The aim of the game is to get a deeper understanding of stakeholders’ perspectives on anything—a new project, an organizational restructuring, a shift in the company’s vision or team dynamic.

31. Constellations

Who doesn’t love stars? Constellations is a great warm-up activity for any workshop as it gets people up off their feet, energized, and ready to engage in new ways with established topics. It’s also great for showing existing beliefs, biases, and patterns that can come into play as part of your session.

Using warm-up games that help build trust and connection while also allowing for non-verbal responses can be great for easing people into the problem-solving process and encouraging engagement from everyone in the group. Constellations is great in large spaces that allow for movement and is definitely a practical exercise to allow the group to see patterns that are otherwise invisible. 

Constellations   #trust   #connection   #opening   #coaching   #patterns   #system   Individuals express their response to a statement or idea by standing closer or further from a central object. Used with teams to reveal system, hidden patterns, perspectives.

32. Draw a Tree

Problem-solving games that help raise group awareness through a central, unifying metaphor can be effective ways to warm-up a group in any problem-solving model.

Draw a Tree is a simple warm-up activity you can use in any group and which can provide a quick jolt of energy. Start by asking your participants to draw a tree in just 45 seconds – they can choose whether it will be abstract or realistic. 

Once the timer is up, ask the group how many people included the roots of the tree and use this as a means to discuss how we can ignore important parts of any system simply because they are not visible.

All problem-solving strategies are made more effective by thinking of problems critically and by exposing things that may not normally come to light. Warm-up games like Draw a Tree are great in that they quickly demonstrate some key problem-solving skills in an accessible and effective way.

Draw a Tree   #thiagi   #opening   #perspectives   #remote-friendly   With this game you can raise awarness about being more mindful, and aware of the environment we live in.

Each step of the problem-solving workshop benefits from an intelligent deployment of activities, games, and techniques. Bringing your session to an effective close helps ensure that solutions are followed through on and that you also celebrate what has been achieved.

Here are some problem-solving activities you can use to effectively close a workshop or meeting and ensure the great work you’ve done can continue afterward.

  • One Breath Feedback
  • Who What When Matrix
  • Response Cards

How do I conclude a problem-solving process?

All good things must come to an end. With the bulk of the work done, it can be tempting to conclude your workshop swiftly and without a moment to debrief and align. This can be problematic in that it doesn’t allow your team to fully process the results or reflect on the process.

At the end of an effective session, your team will have gone through a process that, while productive, can be exhausting. It’s important to give your group a moment to take a breath, ensure that they are clear on future actions, and provide short feedback before leaving the space. 

The primary purpose of any problem-solving method is to generate solutions and then implement them. Be sure to take the opportunity to ensure everyone is aligned and ready to effectively implement the solutions you produced in the workshop.

Remember that every process can be improved and by giving a short moment to collect feedback in the session, you can further refine your problem-solving methods and see further success in the future too.

33. One Breath Feedback

Maintaining attention and focus during the closing stages of a problem-solving workshop can be tricky and so being concise when giving feedback can be important. It’s easy to incur “death by feedback” should some team members go on for too long sharing their perspectives in a quick feedback round. 

One Breath Feedback is a great closing activity for workshops. You give everyone an opportunity to provide feedback on what they’ve done but only in the space of a single breath. This keeps feedback short and to the point and means that everyone is encouraged to provide the most important piece of feedback to them. 

One breath feedback   #closing   #feedback   #action   This is a feedback round in just one breath that excels in maintaining attention: each participants is able to speak during just one breath … for most people that’s around 20 to 25 seconds … unless of course you’ve been a deep sea diver in which case you’ll be able to do it for longer.

34. Who What When Matrix 

Matrices feature as part of many effective problem-solving strategies and with good reason. They are easily recognizable, simple to use, and generate results.

The Who What When Matrix is a great tool to use when closing your problem-solving session by attributing a who, what and when to the actions and solutions you have decided upon. The resulting matrix is a simple, easy-to-follow way of ensuring your team can move forward. 

Great solutions can’t be enacted without action and ownership. Your problem-solving process should include a stage for allocating tasks to individuals or teams and creating a realistic timeframe for those solutions to be implemented or checked out. Use this method to keep the solution implementation process clear and simple for all involved. 

Who/What/When Matrix   #gamestorming   #action   #project planning   With Who/What/When matrix, you can connect people with clear actions they have defined and have committed to.

35. Response cards

Group discussion can comprise the bulk of most problem-solving activities and by the end of the process, you might find that your team is talked out! 

Providing a means for your team to give feedback with short written notes can ensure everyone is head and can contribute without the need to stand up and talk. Depending on the needs of the group, giving an alternative can help ensure everyone can contribute to your problem-solving model in the way that makes the most sense for them.

Response Cards is a great way to close a workshop if you are looking for a gentle warm-down and want to get some swift discussion around some of the feedback that is raised. 

Response Cards   #debriefing   #closing   #structured sharing   #questions and answers   #thiagi   #action   It can be hard to involve everyone during a closing of a session. Some might stay in the background or get unheard because of louder participants. However, with the use of Response Cards, everyone will be involved in providing feedback or clarify questions at the end of a session.

Save time and effort discovering the right solutions

A structured problem solving process is a surefire way of solving tough problems, discovering creative solutions and driving organizational change. But how can you design for successful outcomes?

With SessionLab, it’s easy to design engaging workshops that deliver results. Drag, drop and reorder blocks  to build your agenda. When you make changes or update your agenda, your session  timing   adjusts automatically , saving you time on manual adjustments.

Collaborating with stakeholders or clients? Share your agenda with a single click and collaborate in real-time. No more sending documents back and forth over email.

Explore  how to use SessionLab  to design effective problem solving workshops or  watch this five minute video  to see the planner in action!

solving complex problems techniques

Over to you

The problem-solving process can often be as complicated and multifaceted as the problems they are set-up to solve. With the right problem-solving techniques and a mix of creative exercises designed to guide discussion and generate purposeful ideas, we hope we’ve given you the tools to find the best solutions as simply and easily as possible.

Is there a problem-solving technique that you are missing here? Do you have a favorite activity or method you use when facilitating? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you! 

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thank you very much for these excellent techniques

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solving complex problems techniques

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Problem Solving Techniques: Your Ultimate Guide with Examples

solving complex problems techniques

Problem-solving is an essential skill we all need in our personal and professional lives. Whether you're facing a complex issue at work or trying to resolve a conflict at home, knowing how to identify and solve problems effectively is invaluable. 

In this blog post, we'll explore various problem-solving techniques that can help you tackle challenges confidently and efficiently, accompanied by real-life examples.

How to Identify Problems?

Before diving into the techniques, let's briefly discuss identifying problems. Recognizing that a problem exists is often the first and most crucial step in the problem-solving process. Here are some tips for identifying problems:

Pay Attention to Signs

Look for signs of trouble or discrepancies in your surroundings, projects, or relationships. These can be indicators of underlying issues.

Example:  In a project management context, consistently missing deadlines or decreasing team morale could be signs of underlying problems.

Listen Actively

Be a good listener and encourage open communication with others. People often voice their concerns or frustrations, which can help you identify problems early on.

Example:  In a family setting, if a family member repeatedly expresses frustration with household chores, it might indicate a problem with task distribution or communication.

Data Analysis

Analyze data and performance metrics to detect anomalies or trends that signal problems.

Example:  A sales department's decline in monthly sales figures may signal a problem with the sales strategy or market conditions.

Self-Reflection

Regularly self-reflect on your experiences and challenges. This can help you identify personal issues that need attention.

Example:  If you consistently feel overwhelmed and stressed, it may indicate a problem with time management or work-life balance.

Now, let's explore various problem-solving techniques with real-life examples that can be applied depending on the nature and complexity of the problem.

Types of Problem-Solving Techniques

Lightning decision jam.

Technique:  Lightning Decision Jam is a rapid problem-solving technique involving gathering a diverse group of individuals to brainstorm solutions to a problem quickly. It's a great way to generate creative ideas and make quick decisions.

Example:  Imagine a software development team facing a critical bug in their application. They organize a Lightning Decision Jam, bringing developers, testers, and designers together. In just one hour, they generate innovative solutions and decide on a fix that gets the application up and running smoothly.

Technique:  The 5 Whys is a simple yet powerful technique that involves asking "Why?" repeatedly to get to the root cause of a problem. By addressing the underlying issues, you can prevent the problem from recurring.

Example:  In a manufacturing plant, there's a recurring issue of defective products. By asking "Why?" multiple times, the team discovers that the root cause is a malfunctioning machine that isn't properly maintained. They address this issue, reducing defects and improving product quality.

SWOT Analysis

Technique:  SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) Analysis is a structured approach to evaluating a situation. It helps you identify internal strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats, enabling you to make informed decisions.

Example:  A small business owner conducts a SWOT analysis for their company. They identify that their strength lies in a loyal customer base, but a weakness is their limited online presence. Recognizing the opportunity in e-commerce, they decided to invest in building an online store to reach a broader audience.

Fishbone Analysis

Technique:  Also known as Ishikawa or Cause-and-Effect Analysis, this technique helps you visualize the potential causes of a problem. It's beneficial for exploring complex issues with multiple contributing factors.

Example:  In a hospital, the Fishbone Analysis is used to investigate increased patient falls. The analysis uncovers several causes, including inadequate staff training and slippery floors. By addressing these root causes, the hospital reduces patient falls significantly.

Problem Tree

Technique:  The Problem Tree technique visually represents a problem and its various branches, including causes and effects. This approach aids in understanding the problem's scope and interconnections.

Example:  An environmental organization uses a Problem Tree to address deforestation. They identify the root cause as illegal logging, which has cascading effects such as habitat destruction and climate change. This visualization helps them develop a comprehensive conservation strategy.

Brainstorming

Technique:  Brainstorming is a classic technique for generating various ideas and solutions. It encourages creative thinking and collaboration among team members.

Example:  A marketing team is brainstorming ideas for a new advertising campaign. By allowing team members to suggest concepts freely, they generate a list of innovative campaign ideas that resonate with their target audience.

Root-Cause Analysis

Technique:  Root-cause analysis aims to identify the fundamental cause of a problem. It involves in-depth investigation and is often used for critical issues or recurring problems.

Example:  In an IT department, recurring network outages disrupt operations. A root-cause analysis reveals that the outages are due to outdated network equipment. By replacing the equipment, the department eliminates the recurring problem.

Design Thinking

Technique:  Design Thinking is a human-centered approach to problem-solving that emphasizes empathy and iterative prototyping. It's beneficial for addressing complex, user-centric problems.

Example:  A nonprofit organization uses Design Thinking to improve the user experience of their website. They conduct interviews with users to understand their needs and pain points, leading to a website redesign that better serves their audience.

Six Thinking Hats

Technique:  Developed by Edward de Bono , the Six Thinking Hats method assigns different "hats" to participants, each representing a different perspective (e.g., logical thinking, emotions, creativity). This technique helps explore problems from various angles.

Example:  A corporate team applies the Six Thinking Hats method to evaluate a potential merger. They make a well-informed decision by systematically considering factors such as financial viability, employee morale, and customer impact.

Working Backwards

Technique:  Working Backwards is a technique often used in product development. It involves starting with the desired outcome and working backward to identify the steps required to achieve it.

Example:  A tech company wants to create a groundbreaking smartphone. They begin by envisioning the perfect user experience and then reverse-engineer the technology and features needed to make it a reality.

Trial & Error

Technique:  Sometimes, trial and error can be a valid problem-solving approach. It's especially useful when dealing with unfamiliar or novel problems.

Example:  A chef experimenting with a new recipe for a signature dish uses trial and error to refine the ingredients and cooking techniques until he achieves the desired taste and presentation.

Problem-solving is an essential skill that can be honed and improved over time. By familiarizing yourself with these problem-solving techniques and their real-life examples, you'll be better equipped to effectively address a wide range of challenges.

Remember that the choice of technique should depend on the specific problem you're facing. Whether it's a lightning-fast decision jam or a thorough root-cause analysis, having a diverse toolkit of problem-solving techniques at your disposal will empower you to tackle problems confidently and successfully.

So, the next time you encounter an issue, don't panic—apply the correct technique, and you'll be well on your way to finding a solution.

solving complex problems techniques

Shiva is a subject matter expert in communication, marketing, productivity, and learning systems. He has previously contributed to many blogs and newsletters, including Validated, Mental Models, HackerNoon, and several brands. You can find Shiva on  LinkedIn  or email him at shiva(at)routine.co.

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solving complex problems techniques

Bryan Lindsley

How To Solve Complex Problems

In today’s increasingly complex world, we are constantly faced with ill-defined problems that don’t have a clear solution. From poverty and climate change to crime and addiction, complex situations surround us. Unlike simple problems with a pre-defined or “right” answer, complex problems share several basic characteristics that make them hard to solve. While these problems can be frustrating and overwhelming, they also offer an opportunity for growth and creativity. Complex problem-solving skills are the key to addressing these tough issues.

In this article, I will discuss simple versus complex problems, define complex problem solving, and describe why it is so important in complex dynamic environments. I will also explain how to develop problem-solving skills and share some tips for effectively solving complex problems.

How is simple problem-solving different from complex problem-solving?

Solving problems is about getting from a currently undesirable state to an intended goal state. In other words, about bridging the gap between “what is” and “what ought to be”. However, the challenge of reaching a solution varies based on the kind of problem that is being solved. There are generally three different kinds of problems you should consider.

Simple problems have one problem solution. The goal is to find that answer as quickly and efficiently as possible. Puzzles are classic examples of simple problem solving. The objective is to find the one correct solution out of many possibilities.

Puzzles complex problem-solving

Problems are different from puzzles in that they don’t have a known problem solution. As such, many people may agree that there is an issue to be solved, but they may not agree on the intended goal state or how to get there. In this type of problem, people spend a lot of time debating the best solution and the optimal way to achieve it.

Messes are collections of interrelated problems where many stakeholders may not even agree on what the issue is. Unlike problems where there is agreement about what the problem is, in messes, there isn’t agreement amongst stakeholders. In other words, even “what is” can’t be taken for granted. Most complex social problems are messes, made up of interrelated social issues with ill-defined boundaries and goals.

Problems and messes can be complicated or complex

Puzzles are simple, but problems and messes exist on a continuum between complicated and complex. Complicated problems are technical in nature. There may be many involved variables, but the relationships are linear. As a result, complicated problems have step-by-step, systematic solutions. Repairing an engine or building a rocket may be difficult because of the many parts involved, but it is a technical problem we call complicated.

On the other hand, solving a complex problem is entirely different. Unlike complicated problems that may have many variables with linear relationships, a complex problem is characterized by connectivity patterns that are harder to understand and predict.

Characteristics of complex problems and messes

So what else makes a problem complex? Here are seven additional characteristics (from Funke and Hester and Adams ).

  • Lack of information. There is often a lack of data or information about the problem itself. In some cases, variables are unknown or cannot be measured.
  • Many goals. A complex problem has a mix of conflicting objectives. In some sense, every stakeholder involved with the problem may have their own goals. However, with limited resources, not all goals can be simultaneously satisfied.
  • Unpredictable feedback loops. In part due to many variables connected by a range of different relationships, a change in one variable is likely to have effects on other variables in the system. However, because we do not know all of the variables it will affect, small changes can have disproportionate system-wide effects. These unexpected events that have big, unpredictable effects are sometimes called Black Swans.
  • Dynamic. A complex problem changes over time and there is a significant impact based on when you act. In other words, because the problem and its parts and relationships are constantly changing, an action taken today won’t have the same effects as the same action taken tomorrow.
  • Time-delayed. It takes a while for cause and effect to be realized. Thus it is very hard to know if any given intervention is working.
  • Unknown unknowns. Building off the previous point about a lack of information, in a complex problem you may not even know what you don’t know. In other words, there may be very important variables that you are not even aware of.
  • Affected by (error-prone) humans. Simply put, human behavior tends to be illogical and unpredictable. When humans are involved in a problem, avoiding error may be impossible.

What is complex problem-solving?

“Complex problem solving” is the term for how to address a complex problem or messes that have the characteristics listed above.

Since a complex problem is a different phenomenon than a simple or complicated problem, solving them requires a different approach. Methods designed for simple problems, like systematic organization, deductive logic, and linear thinking don’t work well on their own for a complex problem.

And yet, despite its importance, there isn’t complete agreement about what exactly it is.

How is complex problem solving defined by experts?

Let’s look at what scientists, researchers, and system thinkers have come up with in terms of a definition for solving a complex problem. 

As a series of observations and informed decisions

For many employers, the focus is on making smart decisions. These must weigh the future effects to the company of any given solution. According to Indeed.com , it is defined as “a series of observations and informed decisions used to find and implement a solution to a problem. Beyond finding and implementing a solution, complex problem solving also involves considering future changes to circumstance, resources, and capabilities that may affect the trajectory of the process and success of the solution. Complex problem solving also involves considering the impact of the solution on the surrounding environment and individuals.”

As using information to review options and develop solutions

For others, it is more of a systematic way to consider a range of options. According to O*NET ,  the definition focuses on “identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.”

As a self-regulated psychological process

Others emphasize the broad range of skills and emotions needed for change. In addition, they endorse an inspired kind of pragmatism. For example, Dietrich Dorner and Joachim Funke define it as “a collection of self-regulated psychological processes and activities necessary in dynamic environments to achieve ill-defined goals that cannot be reached by routine actions. Creative combinations of knowledge and a broad set of strategies are needed. Solutions are often more bricolage than perfect or optimal. The problem-solving process combines cognitive, emotional, and motivational aspects, particularly in high-stakes situations. Complex problems usually involve knowledge-rich requirements and collaboration among different persons.”

As a novel way of thinking and reasoning

Finally, some emphasize the multidisciplinary nature of knowledge and processes needed to tackle a complex problem. Patrick Hester and Kevin MacG. Adams have stated that “no single discipline can solve truly complex problems. Problems of real interest, those vexing ones that keep you up at night, require a discipline-agnostic approach…Simply they require us to think systemically about our problem…a novel way of thinking and reasoning about complex problems that encourages increased understanding and deliberate intervention.”

A synthesis definition

By pulling the main themes of these definitions together, we can get a sense of what complex problem-solvers must do:

Gain a better understanding of the phenomena of a complex problem or mess. Use a discipline-agnostic approach in order to develop deliberate interventions. Take into consideration future impacts on the surrounding environment.

Why is complex problem solving important?

Many efforts aimed at complex social problems like reducing homelessness and improving public health – despite good intentions giving more effort than ever before – are destined to fail because their approach is based on simple problem-solving. And some efforts might even unwittingly be contributing to the problems they’re trying to solve. 

Einstein said that “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” I think he could have easily been alluding to the need for more complex problem solvers who think differently. So what skills are required to do this?

What are complex problem-solving skills?

The skills required to solve a complex problem aren’t from one domain, nor are they an easily-packaged bundle. Rather, I like to think of them as a balancing act between a series of seemingly opposite approaches but synthesized. This brings a sort of cognitive dissonance into the process, which is itself informative.

It brings F. Scott Fitzgerald’s maxim to mind: 

“The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function. One should, for example, be able to see that things are hopeless yet be determined to make them otherwise.” 

To see the problem situation clearly, for example, but also with a sense of optimism and possibility.

Here are the top three dialectics to keep in mind:

Thinking and reasoning

Reasoning is the ability to make logical deductions based on evidence and counterevidence. On the other hand, thinking is more about imagining an unknown reality based on thoughts about the whole picture and how the parts could fit together. By thinking clearly, one can have a sense of possibility that prepares the mind to deduce the right action in the unique moment at hand.

As Dorner and Funke explain: “Not every situation requires the same action,  and we may want to act this way or another to reach this or that goal. This appears logical, but it is a logic based on constantly shifting grounds: We cannot know whether necessary conditions are met, sometimes the assumptions we have made later turn out to be incorrect, and sometimes we have to revise our assumptions or make completely new ones. It is necessary to constantly switch between our sense of possibility and our sense of reality, that is, to switch between thinking and reasoning. It is an arduous process, and some people handle it well, while others do not.”

Analysis and reductionism combined with synthesis and holism

It’s important to be able to use scientific processes to break down a complex problem into its parts and analyze them. But at the same time, a complex problem is more than the sum of its parts. In most cases, the relationships between the parts are more important than the parts themselves. Therefore, decomposing problems with rigor isn’t enough. What’s needed, once problems are reduced and understood, is a way of understanding the relationships between various components as well as putting the pieces back together. However, synthesis and holism on their own without deductive analysis can often miss details and relationships that matter.  

What makes this balancing act more difficult is that certain professions tend to be trained in and prefer one domain over the other. Scientists prefer analysis and reductionism whereas most social scientists and practitioners default to synthesis and holism. Unfortunately, this divide of preferences results in people working in their silos at the expense of multi-disciplinary approaches that together can better “see” complexity.

seeing complex problem solving

Situational awareness and self-awareness 

Dual awareness is the ability to pay attention to two experiences simultaneously. In the case of complex problems, context really matters. In other words, problem-solving exists in an ecosystem of environmental factors that are not incidental. Personal and cultural preferences play a part as do current events unfolding over time. But as a problem solver, knowing the environment is only part of the equation. 

The other crucial part is the internal psychological process unique to every individual who also interacts with the problem and the environment. Problem solvers inevitably come into contact with others who may disagree with them, or be advancing seemingly counterproductive solutions, and these interactions result in emotions and motivations. Without self-awareness, we can become attached to our own subjective opinions, fall in love with “our” solutions, and generally be driven by the desire to be seen as problem solvers at the expense of actually solving the problem.

By balancing these three dialectics, practitioners can better deal with uncertainty as well as stay motivated despite setbacks. Self-regulation among these seemingly opposite approaches also reminds one to stay open-minded.

How do you develop complex problem-solving skills?

There is no one answer to this question, as the best way to develop them will vary depending on your strengths and weaknesses. However, there are a few general things that you can do to improve your ability to solve problems.

Ground yourself in theory and knowledge

First, it is important to learn about systems thinking and complexity theories. These frameworks will help you understand how complex systems work, and how different parts of a system interact with each other. This conceptual understanding will allow you to identify potential solutions to problems more quickly and effectively.

Practice switching between approaches

Second, practice switching between the dialectics mentioned above. For example, in your next meeting try to spend roughly half your time thinking and half your time reasoning. The important part is trying to get habituated to regularly switching lenses. It may seem disjointed at first, but after a while, it becomes second nature to simultaneously see how the parts interact and the big picture.

Focus on the specific problem phenomena

Third, it may sound obvious, but people often don’t spend very much time studying the problem itself and how it functions. In some sense, becoming a good problem-solver involves becoming a problem scientist. Your time should be spent regularly investigating the phenomena of “what is” rather than “what ought to be”. A holistic understanding of the problem is the required prerequisite to coming up with good solutions.

Stay curious

Finally, after we have worked on a problem for a while, we tend to think we know everything about it, including how to solve it. Even if we’re working on a problem, which may change dynamically from day to day, we start treating it more like a puzzle with a definite solution. When that happens, we can lose our motivation to continue learning about the problem. This is very risky because it closes the door to learning from others, regardless of whether we completely agree with them or not.

As Neils Bohr said, “Two different perspectives or models about a system will reveal truths regarding the system that are neither entirely independent nor entirely compatible.”

By staying curious, we can retain our ability to learn on a daily basis.

Tips for how to solve complex problems

Focus on processes over results.

It’s easy to get lost in utopian thinking. Many people spend so much time on “what ought to be” that they forget that problem solving is about the gap between “what is” and “what ought to be”. It is said that “life is a journey, not a destination.” The same is true for complex problem-solving. To do it well, a problem solver must focus on enjoying the process of gaining a holistic understanding of the problem. 

Adaptive and iterative methods and tools

A variety of adaptive and iterative methods have been developed to address complexity. They share a laser focus on gaining holistic understanding with tools that best match the phenomena of complexity. They are also non-ideological, trans-disciplinary, and flexible. In most cases, your journey through a set of steps won’t be linear. Rather, as you think and reason, analyze and synthesize, you’ll jump around to get a holistic picture.

adapting complex problem-solving

In my online course , we generally follow a seven-step method:

  • Get clear sight with a complex problem-solving frame
  • Establish a secure base of operation
  • Gain a deep understanding of the problem
  • Create an interactive model of the problem
  • Develop an impact strategy
  • Create an action plan and implement
  • Embed systemic solutions

Of course, each of these steps involves testing to see what works and consistently evaluating our process and progress.

Resolution is about systematically managing a problem over time

One last thing to keep in mind. Most social problems are not just solved one day, never to return. In reality,  most complex problems are managed, not solved. For all practical purposes, what this means is that “the solution” is a way of systematically dealing with the problem over time. Some find this disappointing, but it’s actually a pragmatic pointer to think about resolution – a way move problems in the right direction – rather than final solutions.

Problem solvers regularly train and practice

If you need help developing your complex problem-solving skills, I have an online class where you can learn everything you need to know. 

Sign up today and learn how to be successful at making a difference in the world!

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Solving Complex Problems: Structured Thinking, Design Principles, and AI

Sang-Gook Kim

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How do you solve important, large-scale challenges with evolving and contradictory constraints? In this 5-day course, transform your approach to large-scale problem solving, from multi-stakeholder engineering projects to the online spread of misinformation. Alongside engineers and leaders from diverse industries, you’ll explore actionable innovative frameworks for assessing, communicating, and implementing complex systems—and significantly increase your likelihood of success.

THIS COURSE MAY BE TAKEN INDIVIDUALLY OR AS PART OF THE  PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY  OR THE  PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN DESIGN & MANUFACTURING .

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Engineering projects with shifting goals. Inefficient national healthcare systems. The online spread of misinformation. Every day, professionals are tasked with addressing major challenges that present opportunities for great triumph—or significant failure. How do you approach an important, large-scale challenge with evolving and contradictory constraints? Is the solution a new technology, a new policy, or something else altogether? In our new course Solving Complex Problems: Structured Thinking, Design Principles, and AI , you’ll acquire core principles that will change the way you approach and solve large-scale challenges—increasing your likelihood of success. Over the course of five days, you will explore proven design principles, heuristic-based insights, and problem-solving approaches, and learn how to persuasively present concepts and system architectures to stakeholders. Methods utilize recent developments in AI and Big Data, as well as innovative strategies from MIT Lincoln Laboratory that have been successfully applied to large and complex national defense systems. By taking part in interactive lectures and hands-on projects, you will learn to think through and leverage important steps, including problem abstraction, idea generation, concept development and refinement, system-level thinking, and proposal generation. Alongside an accomplished group of global peers, you will explore the strategies and frameworks you need to implement large-scale systems that can have a significant positive impact—and minimize the probability of failure.

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  • Approach and solve large and complex problems.
  • Assess end-to-end processes and associated challenges, in order to significantly increase the likelihood of success in developing more complex systems.
  • Implement effective problem-solving techniques, including abstracting the problem, idea generation, concept development and refinement, system-level thinking, and proposal generation.
  • Utilize system-level thinking skills to evaluate, refine, down select, and evaluate best ideas and concepts.
  • Apply the Axiomatic Design methodology to a broad range of applications in manufacturing, product design, software, and architecture.
  • Generate and present proposals that clearly articulate innovative ideas, clarify the limits of current strategies, define potential customers and impact, and outline a success-oriented system development and risk mitigation plan.
  • Effectively communicate ideas and persuade others, and provide valuable feedback.
  • Confidently develop and execute large-scale system concepts that will drive significant positive impact.

Edwin F. David Head of the Engineering Division, MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Jonathan E. Gans Group Leader of the Systems and Architectures Group, MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Robert T-I. Shin Principal Staff in the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Tactical Systems Division, MIT Lincoln Laboratory Director, MIT Beaver Works

This course is appropriate for professionals who design or manage complex systems with shifting needs and goals. It is also well suited to those who want to improve the quality and performance of their operations and decision-making in a large-scale system environment. Potential participants include engineers, group leaders, and senior managers in government and industries including automotive, aerospace, semiconductors, engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, bio-medical, finance, architecture, public policy, education, and military.

Computer Requirements

A laptop with PowerPoint is required.

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Problem-Solving Techniques and Tips (That Actually Work)

June 14, 2022 - 10 min read

Lionel Valdellon

Solving complex problems may be difficult but it doesn't have to be excruciating. You just need the right frame of mind and a process for untangling the problem at hand.

Luckily for you, there are plenty of techniques available to solve whatever problems come at you in the workplace.

When faced with a doozy of a problem, where do you start? And what problem-solving techniques can you use right now that can help you make good decisions?

Today's post will give you tips and techniques for solving complex problems so you can untangle any complication like an expert.

How many steps are there in problem-solving?

At its core, problem-solving is a methodical four-step process. You may even recall these steps from when you were first introduced to the Scientific Method.

  • First, you must define the problem . What is its cause? What are the signs there's a problem at all?
  • Next, you identify various options for solutions. What are some good ideas to solve this?
  • Then, evaluate your options and choose from among them. What is the best option to solve the problem? What's the easiest option? How should you prioritize?
  • Finally, implement the chosen solution . Does it solve the problem? Is there another option you need to try?

When applying problem-solving techniques, you will be using a variation of these steps as your foundation.

Takeaway: Before you can solve a problem, seek to understand it fully.

Creative problem-solving techniques

Time to get creative! You might think this will just be a list of out-of-the-box ways to brainstorm ideas. Not exactly.

Creative problem solving (CPS) is actually a formal process formulated by Sidney Parnes and Alex Faickney Osborn , who is thought of as the father of traditional brainstorming (and the "O" in famous advertising agency BBDO).

Their creative problem solving process emphasizes several things, namely:

  • Separate ideation from evaluation . When you brainstorm creative ideas, have a separate time for writing it all down. Focus on generating lots of ideas. Don't prioritize or evaluate them until everything is captured.
  • Judging will shut it down . Nothing stops the flow of creative ideas faster than judging them on the spot. Wait until the brainstorming is over before you evaluate.
  • Restate problems as questions . It's easier to entice a group into thinking of creative ideas when challenges are stated as open-ended questions.
  • Use "Yes and" to expand ideas . Here's one of the basic tenets of improv comedy. It's way too easy to shut down and negate ideas by using the word "but" (i.e. "But I think this is better..."). Avoid this at all costs. Instead, expand on what was previously introduced by saying "Yes, and..." to keep ideas flowing and evolving.

Takeaway: When brainstorming solutions, generate ideas first by using questions and building off of existing ideas. Do all evaluating and judging later.

Problem-solving tips from psychology

If you take a look at the history of problem-solving techniques in psychology, you'll come across a wide spectrum of interesting ideas that could be helpful.

Take it from experience

In 1911, the American psychologist Edward Thorndike observed cats figuring out how to escape from the cage he placed them in. From this, Thorndike developed his law of effect , which states: If you succeed via trial-and-error, you're more likely to use those same actions and ideas that led to your previous success when you face the problem again.

Takeaway: Your past experience can inform and shed light on the problem you face now. Recall. Explore.

Barriers to reproductive thinking

The Gestalt psychologists  built on Thorndike's ideas when they proposed that problem-solving can happen via reproductive thinking — which is not about sex, but rather solving a problem by using past experience and reproducing that experience to solve the current problem.

What's interesting about Gestalt psychology is how they view barriers to problem-solving. Here are two such barriers:

  • Are you entrenched? Look up mental set or entrenchment . This is when you're fixated on a solution that used to work well in the past but has no bearing to your current problem. Are you so entrenched with a method or idea that you use it even when it doesn't work? As Queen Elsa sang, "Let it go!" 
  • Are you thinking of alternative uses? There is a cognitive bias called functional fixedness which could thwart any of your critical thinking techniques by having you only see an object's conventional function. For example, say you need to cut a piece of paper in half but only have a ruler. Functional fixedness would lead you to think the ruler is only good for measuring things. (You could also use the ruler to crease the paper, making it easier to tear it in half.)

Takeaway: Think outside of the box! And by box, we mean outside of the past experience you're holding on to, or outside any preconceived ideas on how a tool is conventionally used.

More problem-solving tools

Hurson's productive thinking model.

In his book "Think Better," author and creativity guru Tim Hurson proposed a six-step model for solving problems creatively. The steps in his Productive Thinking Model are:

  • Ask, "What is going on?" Define the problem and its impact on your company, then clarify your vision for the future.
  • Ask, "What is success?" Define what the solution must do, what resources it needs, its scope, and the values it must uphold.
  • Ask, "What is the question?" Generate a long list of questions that, when answered, will solve the problem.
  • Generate answers . Answer the questions from step three.
  • Forge the solution . Evaluate the ideas with potential based on the criteria from step two. Pick a solution.
  • Align resources . Identify people and resources to execute the solution.

Use a fishbone diagram to see cause and effect

The most important part of defining the problem is looking at the possible root cause. You'll need to ask yourself questions like: Where and when is it happening? How is it occurring? With whom is it happening? Why is it happening?

You can get to the root cause with a fishbone diagram (also known as an Ishikawa diagram or a cause and effect diagram).

Basically, you put the effect on the right side as the problem statement. Then you list all possible causes on the left, grouped into larger cause categories. The resulting shape resembles a fish skeleton. Which is a perfect way to say, "This problem smells fishy."

Fishbone diagram for cause and effect analysis - problem solving techniques

Use analogies to get to a solution

Analogical thinking uses information from one area to help with a problem in a different area. In short, solving a different problem can lead you to find a solution to the actual problem. Watch out though! Analogies are difficult for beginners and take some getting used to.

An example: In the "radiation problem," a doctor has a patient with a tumor that cannot be operated on. The doctor can use rays to destroy the tumor but it also destroys healthy tissue.

Two researchers, Gick and Holyoak , noted that people solved the radiation problem much more easily after being asked to read a story about an invading general who must capture the fortress of a king but be careful to avoid landmines that will detonate if large forces traverse the streets. The general then sends small forces of men down different streets so the army can converge at the fortress at the same time and can capture it at full force.

Ask "12 what elses"

In her book " The Architecture of All Abundance ," author Lenedra J. Carroll (aka the mother of pop star Jewel) talks about a question-and-answer technique for getting out of a problem.

When faced with a problem, ask yourself a question about it and brainstorm 12 answers ("12 what elses") to that problem. Then you can go further by taking one answer, turning it into a question and generating 12 more "what elses." Repeat until the solution is golden brown, fully baked, and ready to take out of the oven.

solving complex problems techniques

Start using these techniques today

Hopefully you find these different techniques useful and they get your imagination rolling with ideas on how to solve different problems.

And if that's the case, then you have four different takeaways to use the next time a problem gets you tangled up:

  • Don't start by trying to solve the problem. First, aim to understand the root of the problem.
  • Use questions to generate ideas for solving the problem.
  • Look to previous problems to find the answers to new ones.
  • Clear your preconceived ideas and past experiences before attempting to tackle the problem.

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What are your favorite problem-solving techniques?

Do you have a problem-solving technique that has worked wonders for your organization? Hit the comments below and share your wisdom!

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Lionel Valdellon

Lionel is a former Content Marketing Manager of Wrike. He is also a blogger since 1997, a productivity enthusiast, a project management newbie, a musician and producer of electronic downtempo music, a father of three, and a husband of one.

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About this content

What this content is:  a collection of articles and PowerPoint presentations that provide new improvers (people interested in problem solving and process improvement) with an introduction to the problem solving framework for addressing simple and complex problems.

What this content is not:  a comprehensive compendium for quality improvement. There are other resources available to understand the history and application of quality improvement principles and tools.

The objective for these lessons is to walk you step-by-step through a simple (PDSA) or complex problem as defined in the lessons.

How it works

Read  the linked handouts and articles. Each handout and article has been selected because it provides a basic explanation and application of a problem solving principle or tool.

Watch  the PowerPoint presentation recordings and videos. These short presentations provide definitions and explanations on how and why to use the problem solving framework.

Practice  by doing. Using the material provided to guide you, follow each step to address a problem of your choosing. Only by doing can you really begin to understand how the problem solving framework is a guide for better, structured, quality improvement.

More Resoucres

Interested in learning more about Value, Quality Improvement, and Patient Safety?

Click here   for a list of resources from University of Utah Health.

Click here  for a list of resources from external health care organizations. 

Objectives:

  • Identify the problem solving framework and its role in quality improvement
  • Discuss why writing a clear problem statement is the first step in starting a quality improvement project
  • Accelerate Article -  Quality Improvement  (5 min.)
  • Handout -  Problem Solving  (2 min.)
  • Accelerate Article -  What Goldilocks Can Teach You About Problem Statements  (3 min.)
  • Handout -  Problem Statement  (2 min.)
  • Problem Solving Framework  (6 min.)
  • Writing a Problem Statement  (4 min.)

Practice:  Write a problem statement for a problem you would like to solve

  • Summarize why and how the baseline analysis step reinforces your problem statement and provides clarity and direction for your quality improvement project
  • Describe 3 simple and easy methods for collecting baseline data, and how sterile processing and nutrition care use data to provide high quality service
  • Accelerate article -  Lean Behind the Scenes: Sterile Processing  (2 min.) and watch the embedded  video  (7 min.)
  • Accelerate article -  Lean Behind the Scenes: Nutrition Care Services  (7 min.)
  • Accelerate article -  Let the Process Map be Your Guide  (3 min.)
  • Handout -  Baseline Analysis 
  • Handout -  Fishbone Diagram 
  • Handout -  Histograms and Run Charts

Watch:  Conducting a Baseline Analysis  (6 min.)

Practice:  create a process map, a fishbone diagram, or plot a run chart/histogram for the problem you would like to solve

  • Demonstrate how identifying and prioritizing the most likely causes of the problem will help support how to address the problem
  • Illustrate how to create a simple fishbone diagram, and how asking why 5 times can be used to discover causes of a problem
  • Discover how root cause analysis is used in reducing patient harm and promoting a culture of safety

Read:  Accelerate Article -  Fishbone Diagram: A Tool to Organize a Problem's Cause and Effect  (2 min.)

Watch:  Investigation and Root Cause Analysis   (8 min.) 

  • Accelerate Article -  Culture of Safety  (4 min.) - in development
  • Accelerate Article -  Diagnostic Error  (4 min.) - in development 
  • Accelerate Article -  Systems Approach to Error  (4 min.) 

Practice:  Develop  a fishbone diagram for the problem you would like to solve

  • Define how to develop a strong intervention (the change you will make that aims at solving the problem) by addressing the causes you identified in the previous step
  • Compare commonly used practices and tools used to reduce variation and process improvement
  • Accelerate Article -  Draw On a Wide Range of Evidence to Jump Start Your Improvement Project  (2 min.)
  • Accelerate Article -  Standard Work  (3 min) 
  • Accelerate Article -  The Seven Wastes in Health Care  (5 min.)
  • Handout -  Value Added vs NVA
  • Handout -  Standard Work 
  • Handout -  Forcing Functions
  • Intervention Design and Implementation  (8 min.)
  • Standard Work and Forcing Functions  (6 min.)

Practice:  Illustrate how you will address the problem you would like to solve, what change you will make and how you will implement it

Ryan Murphy

Your gut tells you a process could be better than it is—how do you back that feeling up with hard data? Senior value engineer Luca Boi shows how undertaking a baseline analysis can jumpstart your improvement project.

Problems—we all have them. From the simple to the complex, they plague our daily work. Quality Improvement experts Luca Boi and Carolyn Brayko provide brief lessons and simple exercises on problem solving techniques so you can develop solutions and make improvements.

Senior Value Engineer Luca Boi considers the link between well-being and problem-solving by examining our impulse to “continuously cope” rather than “continuously improve.”

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Critical Thinking Unleashed: Expert Techniques to Solve Complex Problems

  • August 28, 2023 August 28, 2023

Expert critical thinking methods, Complex problem-solving,

When faced with complex problems, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed. However, by developing expert critical thinking methods and strategies, you can enhance your problem-solving abilities and approach even the most challenging issues with confidence and clarity.

In this section, we will explore the foundational aspects of critical thinking and discuss various expert techniques and strategies for solving complex problems. By incorporating these methods into your critical thinking process, you can unlock your full problem-solving potential and generate innovative solutions .

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

  • Developing expert critical thinking methods is essential for effective complex problem-solving .
  • By understanding the core skills required for effective critical thinking , you can approach complex problems with a critical mindset.
  • Analytical approaches such as root cause analysis and decision trees can be applied to systematically break down complex problems.
  • By incorporating creative thinking techniques like brainstorming and mind mapping, you can generate unique and innovative solutions to complex problems.

Understanding the Foundations of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is a foundational skill that allows us to analyze and evaluate information effectively. By having effective critical thinking skills, we can approach complex problems with a logical and rational mindset. Developing critical thinking skills takes time and effort, but it is a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants to solve problems effectively.

One of the core skills required for effective critical thinking is the ability to identify and analyze arguments. This involves breaking down complex arguments into their components and assessing their validity and soundness. Effective critical thinkers also possess strong reasoning skills, enabling them to draw logical conclusions from complex sets of information.

Another important aspect of critical thinking is the ability to evaluate evidence and assess its reliability. This requires being able to identify bias, consider multiple perspectives, and weigh the strengths and weaknesses of different sources of information.

Developing Effective Critical Thinking Skills

Effective critical thinking skills can be developed through training and practice. There are many different approaches to developing critical thinking skills , including formal training programs, online courses, and self-directed learning.

One effective way to develop critical thinking skills is to engage with different perspectives and ideas. This can involve reading diverse sources of information, engaging in conversation with people who hold different beliefs, or seeking out opportunities to learn from experts in your field.

Another approach is to practice critical thinking regularly. This can involve setting aside time each day to engage in reflective thinking, asking probing questions, and seeking out feedback from others. Over time, these habits can help build critical thinking skills and enable you to approach complex problems with greater confidence and ease.

Analytical Approaches for Complex Problem-Solving

When faced with a complex problem, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. However, by using analytical approaches, you can break down the problem into manageable parts and identify practical solutions. Here are some problem-solving methods and approaches you can use:

Root Cause Analysis

Root cause analysis is a problem-solving technique that involves identifying the underlying causes of a problem. It involves asking a series of “why” questions to drill down to the root cause of the problem. By identifying the root cause, you can develop effective solutions that address the source of the problem rather than just treating the symptoms.

SWOT Analysis

SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool that can be used to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of a project or organization. By identifying these factors, you can develop strategies that leverage strengths and opportunities while mitigating weaknesses and threats.

Decision Trees

Decision trees are a visual representation of decision-making processes that can be used to analyze complex problems. They involve mapping out different decisions and their potential outcomes, allowing you to evaluate the pros and cons of each option.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Cost-benefit analysis is a technique used to evaluate the potential costs and benefits of a decision. By weighing the costs against the benefits, you can determine whether a given decision is worth pursuing.

By using these problem-solving methods and approaches, you can systematically break down complex problems and identify effective solutions. It’s important to note that each problem may require a unique approach, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques until you find what works best.

Creative Thinking Techniques to Unlock Innovation

When faced with complex problems, it can be easy to get stuck in linear thinking patterns. To break through these mental barriers, incorporating creative thinking techniques into your critical thinking process can help unlock innovative solutions . Here are some strategies to try:

  • Brainstorming: This classic technique involves generating as many ideas as possible in a short amount of time, without worrying about whether they are practical or feasible. The goal is to generate a wide range of possibilities, some of which may spark more practical solutions.
  • Mind mapping: This technique involves creating a visual map of the problem and its potential solutions. By breaking down the problem into smaller, interconnected components, you may be able to identify novel solutions or connections you may not have otherwise considered.
  • Lateral thinking: Developed by Edward de Bono, lateral thinking involves examining a problem from different angles or perspectives. By intentionally looking at the problem in unconventional ways, you may be able to identify innovative solutions or ideas.

By incorporating these creative thinking techniques into your critical thinking process, you may be able to approach problems in new ways and generate innovative solutions.

Developing expert critical thinking methods is essential for tackling complex problems. By understanding the foundational aspects of critical thinking, you can approach problems with a logical and analytical mindset. Additionally, applying analytical approaches like root cause analysis, SWOT analysis, and decision trees can help you break down complex problems into manageable components. Incorporating creative thinking techniques like brainstorming and mind mapping in your critical thinking process can boost your innovativeness and generate unique solutions.

It is crucial to note that critical thinking is not a one-time solution process. Rather it is a continuous process that requires constant practice and refinement. Keep in mind that there is no single solution to every problem, and the path to the best solution may not always be the most straightforward. Therefore, it is necessary to remain open-minded and flexible in your problem-solving approach.

The Takeaway

Critical thinking is a valuable life skill that can help you solve problems more effectively. Developing expert critical thinking methods involves understanding the foundational aspects of critical thinking, applying analytical approaches, and incorporating creative thinking techniques. By doing so, you can improve your problem-solving abilities and unlock your innovative potential.

Q: What is critical thinking?

A: Critical thinking refers to the ability to analyze and evaluate information objectively. It involves discerning the validity and reliability of arguments and making well-informed decisions based on evidence and logical reasoning.

Q: Why is critical thinking important in problem-solving?

A: Critical thinking is essential in problem-solving as it helps individuals assess and understand complex problems, consider different perspectives, and generate effective solutions. It enables individuals to approach problems with a logical and analytical mindset, leading to more efficient and successful problem-solving outcomes.

Q: How can I improve my critical thinking skills?

A: There are various ways to enhance your critical thinking skills. Some effective techniques include practicing active listening, asking thought-provoking questions, seeking out diverse perspectives, and engaging in continuous learning and self-reflection.

Q: What are some analytical approaches for complex problem-solving?

A: Analytical approaches for complex problem-solving include methods such as root cause analysis, SWOT analysis, decision trees, and the 5 Whys technique. These approaches help individuals break down complex problems into manageable components, enabling a systematic and structured problem-solving process.

Q: How can creative thinking techniques contribute to problem-solving?

A: Creative thinking techniques, such as brainstorming, mind mapping, and lateral thinking, play a significant role in problem-solving as they encourage individuals to think outside the box and generate innovative solutions. These techniques promote divergent thinking and help break through traditional patterns of thought, leading to fresh and inventive problem-solving approaches .

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Designorate

Designorate

Design thinking, innovation, user experience and healthcare design

The Six Systems Thinking Steps to Solve Complex Problems

A quick overview of common problem solving techniques indicates that most of these methods focus on the problem rather than the whole eco-system where the problem exists. Along with the challenges of global economy , problems turn out to be more complicated and sometimes awakening problems. Climate change, traffic problems, and organizational problems that have developed through the years are all complex problems that we shouldn’t look at the same way as simple or linear problems. Part of the problem of thinking about a complex problem is the way we approach it, which may contribute to making the problem even more complex. As stated by Albert Einstein, “The problems cannot be solved using the same level of thinking that created them.” Systems thinking tends to focus on the broader ecosystem rather than the problem itself.

Systems thinking was developed by Jay Forrester and members of the Society for Organizational Learning at MIT. The idea is described in his book, The Fifth Discipline , as follows: “Systems thinking is a discipline for seeing wholes. It is a framework for seeing interrelationships rather than things, for seeing patterns of change rather than static ‘snapshots.’” A common example of the systems thinking method is the life around us where multiple systems interact with each other and are affected by each other. This wide perspective of systems thinking promotes it to solve complex problems that are dependent on external factors. Below are some of the stations that system thinking may contribute to solve.

  • Complex problems that involve different factors, which require understanding the big picture in order to be efficiently solved
  • Situations that are affecting, are being affected by, or affect the surrounding systems
  • Problems that have turned more complicated by previous attempts to solve them

Concepts of Systems Thinking

In order to understand systems thinking, a number of concepts should be highlighted in order to define the relation between the problem and the other elements in the system and how to observe this relation in order to reach an effective solution. These principles include the following.

  • All systems are composed of interconnected parts, and changing one part affects the entire system, including other parts.
  • The structure of a system determines its behavior, which means that the system depends on the connection between parts rather that the part themselves.
  • System behavior is an emergent phenomenon. System behavior is hard to predict due its continuously changing, non-linear relations and its time delay. It can’t be predicted by simply inspecting its elements or structure.
  • Feedback loops control a system’s major dynamic behavior. The feedback loop is a number of connections causing an output from one part to eventually influence input to that same part. The number of feedback loops are larger than the system parts, which contributes to increasing system complicity.
  • Complex social systems exhibit counterintuitive behavior. Solving complex problems can’t be achieved through everyday problem solving methods. They can be solved only through analytical methods and tools. Solving complex problems can be achieved through systems thinking, a process that fits the problem, and system dynamics , which is an approach to model systems by emphasizing their feedback loops.

Systems Thinking in Six Steps

In their paper Six Steps to Thinking Systemically , Michael Goodman and Richard Karash introduced six steps to apply systems thinking principles while solving complex problems. These steps were part of their case study to Bijou Bottling company’s problem of getting their orders shipped on time.

Set 1: Tell the Story

The first step in solving the problem is to understand it, and this can be achieved through looking deeply at the whole system rather than individual parts. This step requires meeting with the stakeholders to share their vision about the situation. One of the common tools to build this understanding is to utilize Concept Maps, which are graphical tools used to represent the organization or a structure of knowledge. Concept Maps visually present the system’s elements, concept links, proposition statements, cross-links, and examples.

concept maps

Step 2: Draw Behavior Over Time (BOT) Graphs

When thinking about a problem, we are influenced with the current situation that is reflected in our analysis, yet the problem follows a time dimension, which means that it should be tracked through the time. The Behavior Over Time graph draws a curve that presents a specific behavior (Y) through the time (X). This graph helps us to understanding whether or not the current solution is effective.

behavior over time

Step 3: Create a Focusing Statement

At this point, there should be a clear vision about the problem solving process, which is defined in the from of a statement that indicates the team’s target and why the problem occurs.

Step 4: Identify the Structure

After having clear vision about the problem through the proposed statement, the system structure should be described, including the behavior patterns. Building these patterns helps in understanding more about the problem, and it can be formed as a system archetype.

Step 5: Going Deeper into the Issues

After defining the problem and the system structure, this step tends to understand the underlying problems through clarifying four items: the purpose of the system (what we want), the mental models, the large system, and personal role in the situation.

Set 6: Plan an Intervention

The previously collected information is used to start the intervention phase, where modifications to the current problem relate parts to connections. This intervention attempts to reach the desirable behavior.

concept maps

Practice Example of Systems Thinking

One of the direct examples of adopting the systems thinking method was presented by Daniel Aronson highlighting insects who caused damage crops. Traditional thinking to solve crop damage is to apply more pesticides to reduce the number of insects and subsequently reduce the crop damage. However, this solution solves the problem for a short term. In the long run, the problem isn’t truly solved, as the original insect eating the crops are controlling the population of another species of insect in the environment either by preying on it or competing with it. Subsequently, the crop damage increases again due to the increasing numbers of other insect species.

systems thinking

Observing the ecosystem that includes both the insects and the crops, systems thinking suggests exploring a solution that ensures reducing the crop damage in the long run without affecting the environmental balance, such as deploying the Integrated Pest Management that has proven success based on MIT and the National Academy of Science. This solution tends to control the number of an insect species by introducing its predators in the area.

Unlike everyday problems, complex problems can’t be solved using traditional problem solving methods due to the nature of the problems and their complexity. One of the theories that attempts to understand complex problems is systems thinking, which is defined by a number of characters. Six steps are to be used to explore and solve complex problems under the umbrella of systems thinking, which help us to observe and think in a whole eco-system rather than individual parts. Systems thinking can be deployed in multiple domains to solve organization problem, or global problems such as energy, pollution, and poverty.

Dr Rafiq Elmansy

I'm an academic, author and design thinker, currently teaching design at the University of Leeds with a research focus on design thinking, design for health, interaction design and design for behaviour change. I developed and taught design programmes at Wrexham Glyndwr University, Northumbria University and The American University in Cairo. Additionally, I'm a published book author and founder of Designorate.com. I am a fellow for the Higher Education Academy (HEA), the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), and an Adobe Education Leader. I write Adobe certification exams with Pearson Certiport. My design experience involves 20 years working with clients such as the UN, World Bank, Adobe, and Schneider. I worked with the Adobe team in developing many Adobe applications for more than 12 years.

solving complex problems techniques

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3 thoughts on “ The Six Systems Thinking Steps to Solve Complex Problems ”

solving complex problems techniques

“Systems thinking was developed by Jay Forrester and members of the Society for Organizational Learning at MIT. The idea is described in his book, The Fifth Discipline, as follows:” Peter Senge is the author of The Fifth Discipline

solving complex problems techniques

Thank you so much Misi for the helpful information.

solving complex problems techniques

Thank you for the valuable information. I believe that systems thinking can be applied to every aspect of our lives. When you teach yourself to spot patterns, cycles, and loops instead of individuals elements. You see behind the scenes. Understand what actually needs addressing to move forward and make progress faster with less damage.

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solving complex problems techniques

The 7 Timeless Steps to Guide You Through Complex Problem Solving

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As we go through life, we inevitably encounter problems that require extensive forethought, critical thinking and creativity . Whether it’s a business challenge, a personal dilemma, or a societal issue, solving complex problems is a crucial skill for success.

This guide will explore the fundamentals of complex problem-solving and provide practical tips and strategies for mastering this critical skill.

1. What Is a Complex Problem?

1.1 generic definition of complex problems.

In crude terms, a complex problem presents no trivial or obvious solution. In other words, it shows the following characteristics:

Now that we have defined the general notion of a complex problem let’s look at some specific cases related to software development , business management , and complexity theory.

1.2 Complex Problems in Software Development

A complex software development problem involves intricate interactions between numerous system components and requires a sophisticated understanding of the business problem, computing , algorithms and data structures.

Source: “Domain-Driven Design: Tackling Complexity in the Heart of Software” by Eric Evans

1.3 Complex Problems in Business Management

In business management , a complex problem is characterized by interconnected elements, uncertainty, and dynamic interactions, making it challenging to predict outcomes and devise straightforward solutions. This is most obviously seen in formulating effective organisational strategies or leading successful enterprise transformations.

Source: “Strategic Management and Organisational Dynamics: The Challenge of Complexity” by Ralph D. Stacey

1.4 Complex Problems in Complexity Theory

From a complexity theory standpoint, a complex problem involves many interacting agents or components, often exhibiting emergent properties that cannot be easily deduced from the properties of individual agents.

Source: “The Quark and the Jaguar: Adventures in the Simple and the Complex” by Murray Gell-Mann

Complex problems are contrasted with complicated problems. Complicated problems have clear causes and effects, can be broken down into smaller parts, and have predictable solutions. Complex problems, however, are dynamic, have interconnected parts, and exhibit emergent properties (unpredictable outcomes from the interaction of parts).

Source:  “Cynefin Framework” (2007) by Dave Snowden

2. Solving Complex Problems: A Generic Approach

While developing a universal solution that works in any context would be very challenging, we will describe a generic approach consisting of seven steps that will work in most cases.

At the heart of this approach is logical decomposition , or breaking down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable ones and then developing and implementing effective solutions for each. It is a key skill essential for success in many areas of life, including business, education , and personal relationships.

Logical decomposition is at the heart of scientific thought, as described in Edsger W. Dijkstra’s paper “ On the Role of Scientific Thought “.

The seven steps to solving complex problems are listed below. We will go through them in great detail in the following sections.

Seven steps to complex problem solving. These involve identifying the problem, analysing any data to support the hypotheses, generating solutions, and implementing the best one.

In addition to the seven steps, we will cover the following topics:

With these topics in mind, let’s dive into complex problem-solving.

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3. What are Complex Problem Solving Skills?

Complex problem-solving skills refer to the ability to identify, analyze, and solve non-routine problems requiring high cognitive effort.

These problems typically involve a large number of variables and require the application of creative and critical thinking skills to identify potential solutions. Individuals with complex problem-solving skills can work through ambiguity and uncertainty and use logical reasoning to develop effective solutions.

4. Why are Complex Problem Solving Skills Essential?

In today’s rapidly changing world, individuals and organizations must possess complex problem-solving skills to succeed. These skills are essential for several reasons:

4.1 Dealing with Uncertainty

In many situations, there is no clear-cut solution to a problem. Complex problem-solving skills enable individuals to work through ambiguity and uncertainty and develop effective solutions.

4.2 Identifying Root Causes

Complex problems often have multiple causes that are difficult to identify. Individuals with complex problem-solving skills can identify and address the root causes of problems rather than just treating the symptoms.

4.3 Developing Creative Solutions

Complex problems require creative solutions that go beyond traditional approaches. Individuals who possess complex problem-solving skills can think outside the box and develop innovative solutions.

4.4 Achieving Business Success

Organizations with complex problem-solving skills are better equipped to overcome challenges, identify opportunities, and succeed in today’s competitive business environment.

5. How to Develop Complex Problem Solving Skills

While some individuals possess a natural aptitude for complex problem-solving, these skills can be developed and improved over time. Here are some tips to help you develop complex problem-solving skills:

5.1 Build Your Knowledge Base

Developing complex problem-solving skills requires a strong foundation of knowledge in your area of expertise. Stay updated on your field’s latest trends, research, and developments to enhance your problem-solving abilities.

5.2 Practice Critical Thinking

Developing critical thinking skills is essential for complex problem-solving. Practice questioning assumptions, analyzing information , and evaluating arguments to develop critical thinking skills.

5.3 Embrace Creativity

Complex problems require creative solutions. Embrace your creativity by exploring new ideas, brainstorming solutions, and seeking diverse perspectives.

5.4 Collaborate with Others

Collaborating with others can help you develop your complex problem-solving skills. Working in a team environment can expose you to new ideas and approaches, help you identify blind spots, and provide opportunities for feedback and support.

5.5 Seek Out Challenging Problems

Developing complex problem-solving skills requires practice. Seek out challenging problems and apply your problem-solving skills to real-world situations.

6. Understanding the Nature of Complex (vs Complicated) Problems

6.1 the cynefin framework.

Complex and complicated problems are two distinct types of challenges that require different approaches to solve. Dave Snowden, a management consultant and researcher, developed the Cynefin framework, a conceptual model used to understand complex systems and situations. The framework identifies five domains: simple, complicated, complex, chaotic, and disordered, and guides how to approach challenges in each domain.

6.2 Complicated Problems

Complicated problems are characterized by having many interrelated parts and require specialized knowledge and expertise to solve. They have a clear cause-and-effect relationship, and the solution can be discovered by systematically analysing the components. Complicated problems are best addressed through a top-down, expert-driven approach, where the experts can identify the best solution through analysis and evaluation.

6.3 Complex Problems

On the other hand , complex problems are characterized by uncertainty, ambiguity, and the involvement of multiple interconnected factors. There is no clear cause-and-effect relationship, and the solution cannot be found by simply analysing the components. Complex problems require a bottom-up, participatory approach, where multiple perspectives and ideas are considered to develop a solution. The solution may not be clear initially, but it involves experimentation, adaptation, and feedback.

The Cynefin framework proposes that complex problems belong to the complex domain, where emergent solutions cannot be predicted or prescribed. The complex domain should explore the problem, generate hypotheses, and test them through experimentation. The emphasis is on learning from the process , adapting to changing circumstances, and using feedback to guide the solution.

7. Identifying and Defining the Problem

The first step in problem-solving is identifying the problem. This step involves recognizing that a problem exists and understanding its nature. Some tips for identifying the problem include:

  • Observing the situation : Observe the situation and look for any signs that suggest a problem. This could be anything from an unexpected result to increased customer complaints.
  • Asking questions: Ask questions to gain a better understanding of the situation. This can help you identify the underlying issues and identify potential solutions.
  • Gathering information : Gather information about the problem by talking to people involved, researching the issue, and analyzing data.

Once you have identified the problem, the next step is to define it. This step involves breaking down the problem into smaller parts and better understanding its nature. Some tips for defining the problem include:

  • Writing it down: Write down the problem statement clearly and concisely. This will help you to focus on the specific issue and avoid confusion.
  • Breaking it down: Break the problem into smaller parts to better understand its nature. This can help you to identify the underlying causes and potential solutions. The logical decomposition of problems is vital, and we have dedicated the next section.
  • Identifying the scope: Identify the scope of the problem and determine its impact. This can help you to prioritize the problem and allocate resources accordingly.

In problem-solving, reliable data and statistical analysis skills are crucial in accurately identifying the problem. Data provides information and insights necessary for understanding the root cause of the problem. Statistical analysis allows us to make sense of the data and extract meaningful information. This article will discuss the importance of reliable data and statistical analysis skills in problem identification.

8. Problem Solving and Data

8.1 gathering reliable data.

In today’s fast-paced business environment, reliable data is more critical than ever. It is vital to have accurate and objective information to identify problems and determine their root cause.

Reliable data is the basis of any evidence-based decision-making, without which what we have is opinions and assumptions.

Without reliable data, it is difficult to make informed decisions that can lead to effective problem-solving. Here are some of the benefits of using reliable data in problem identification:

  • Objective information: Reliable data provides an objective perspective of the situation.
  • Evidence-based decision-making: Using reliable data ensures that decisions are based on evidence rather than assumptions or opinions.
  • Improved accuracy: Reliable data improves the accuracy of problem identification, leading to better solutions.
  • Better understanding: Reliable data provides a better understanding of the situation, leading to a more comprehensive and holistic approach to problem-solving.
  • Improved Risk Management : Reliable helps put problems into perspective by allowing analysts to calculate their occurrence probabilities and impacts. Risk can then be categorised and prioritized based on impact and probability .

8.2 Statistical Analysis Skills

Statistical analysis skills are necessary for making sense of the data and extracting meaningful information. These skills allow us to identify patterns and trends, understand the relationships between different variables, and (sometimes) predict future outcomes.

How statistical analysis can help with complex problem solving.

Some benefits of using statistical analysis skills in problem identification include the following:

  • Identifying patterns: Statistical analysis skills enable us to identify patterns and trends in the data, which can help identify the problem accurately.
  • Understanding relationships: Statistical analysis skills help us understand the relationships between different variables, which can help identify the problem’s root cause.
  • Predictive capabilities: Statistical analysis skills allow us to predict future outcomes based on the data, which can help develop effective solutions.
  • Objective analysis: Statistical analysis provides objective data analysis, which can help make evidence-based decisions.

Interpreting data, however, requires technical skills to avoid misinterpretations. The following is a common list of statistical analysis mistakes non-professionals can make.

  • Drawing conclusions based on small or biased sample sizes: Non-professionals often make the mistake of drawing conclusions based on small sample sizes, leading to inaccurate or biased results. Non-professionals may use biased samples, such as convenience or samples not representative of the population, leading to inaccurate results.
  • Ignoring outliers: Outliers are data points that lie far away from most data points. Ignoring outliers can lead to inaccurate results, as they may significantly impact the overall outcome.
  • Confusing correlation with causation: Non-professionals often make the mistake of assuming that correlation between two variables implies causation. However, correlation does not always imply causation, and looking for other factors contributing to the observed relationship is important.
  • Failing to consider confounding variables: A confounding variable is a variable that affects both the independent and dependent variables. Non-professionals often fail to consider confounding variables, leading to inaccurate or misleading results.
  • Using inappropriate statistical tests: Non-professionals may use statistical tests that are inappropriate for the analysed data. For example, using a t-test when the data is not normally distributed can lead to inaccurate results.
  • Overfitting models: Overfitting occurs when a statistical model is too complex, leading to a poor fit and generalization to new data. Non-professionals may overfit models by including too many variables or by selecting variables based on the results of statistical tests.
  • Misrepresenting data: Non-professionals may misrepresent data, such as using inappropriate scales or selectively presenting data that supports their conclusions, leading to incorrect interpretations of results.

8.3 How Software Team Leads Can Gather Reliable Data

Software team leads need reliable data on their performance to make informed decisions and identify areas for improvement. Here are some sources where software team leads can gather reliable data on their team’s performance:

  • Project management tools: Most project management tools have built-in reporting features allowing team leads to track performance metrics such as task completion rates, sprint velocity, and burn-down charts. This data can be used to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions.
  • Team feedback: Gathering feedback from team members through one-on-one meetings or anonymous feedback forms can provide valuable insights into team performance . This data can help team leads identify areas where team members may struggle, or additional training or resources may be needed. Crucially, it also provides insights into the organisational culture .
  • Code analysis tools like SonarQube or Code Climate can provide insights into code quality , maintainability, and security. This data can help team leads identify needed code improvements and prioritize technical debt reduction.
  • Customer feedback: Customer feedback, such as ratings, reviews, and support tickets, can provide insights into the usability and functionality of deployed applications. This data can help team leads identify areas for improvement and prioritize feature development.

It’s important for software team leads to gather data from multiple sources and use that data to inform decisions and identify areas for improvement. Software team leads can drive continuous improvement and ensure project success by using reliable data sources and monitoring team performance metrics regularly.

9. Logical Decomposition in Problem Solving

Logical decomposition is a problem-solving technique that breaks down complex problems into smaller, more manageable pieces. It is a structured approach that enables individuals to examine a problem from multiple angles, identify key issues and sub-problems, and develop a solution that addresses each piece of the problem.

The process of logical decomposition involves breaking down the main problem into smaller sub-problems, which are then broken down into smaller pieces. Each piece is analyzed in detail to determine its underlying cause-and-effect relationships and potential solutions. By breaking down the problem into smaller pieces, the individual can better understand the overall problem, identify potential solutions more easily, and prioritize which sub-problems to address first.

Logical decomposition is particularly useful for dealing with complex issues, as it allows individuals to break down a large, overwhelming problem into smaller, more manageable pieces. This not only makes the problem easier to understand and solve but also makes it less daunting and more approachable. Additionally, by breaking down the problem into smaller pieces, individuals can identify and focus on the underlying root causes of the problem rather than just treating the symptoms.

Logical decomposition is a vital stage of architecting large systems and solutions.

From Abstract Concepts to Tangible Value: Solution Architecture in Modern IT Systems

10. Generating and Evaluating (Several) Potential Solutions

Generating multiple solutions to solve a problem is an effective way to increase creativity and innovation in problem-solving. By exploring different options, individuals can identify the strengths and weaknesses of each solution and determine the most effective approach to solving the problem. This section will discuss the advantages and techniques of generating multiple solutions to solve problems more effectively.

10.1 Advantages of Generating Multiple Solutions

The advantages of generating multiple solutions during problem solving are:

  • Increases creativity and innovation: Generating multiple solutions allows individuals to explore different approaches to solving a problem, which can lead to more creative and innovative solutions.
  • Increases the likelihood of finding an effective solution: By exploring multiple solutions, individuals are more likely to find a solution that addresses all aspects of the problem.
  • Increases engagement and ownership: Individuals who generate multiple solutions feel more ownership and engagement in problem-solving.
  • Avoid being locked or overcommitted to one solution that may prove suboptimal.

10.2 Techniques for Generating Multiple Solutions

Techniques for generating multiple solutions:

  • Brainstorming involves generating as many ideas as possible without evaluating them initially. This technique encourages individuals to be creative and open-minded, which can lead to the development of unique solutions.
  • Mind mapping involves visually organizing ideas and concepts around a central theme or problem. This technique can help individuals see connections between ideas and develop new solutions.
  • Reverse brainstorming involves identifying solutions that would make the problem worse rather than better. This technique can help individuals identify the underlying causes of the problem and develop more effective solutions.
  • SCAMPER is an acronym for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse. This technique involves using these prompts to generate new ideas and solutions by altering existing ones.
  • The Six Thinking Hats technique involves assigning different roles to team members to encourage different perspectives and generate multiple solutions. The six roles are White (facts and information), Red (emotions and feelings), Black (potential problems and criticisms), Yellow (potential benefits and opportunities), Green (creativity and new ideas), and Blue (organizational and planning).

5 Key Concepts You Need to Know From Herbert Simon’s Paper on the Architecture of Complexity

11. Implementing and Assessing Solutions

Implementing solutions to complex problems requires a structured approach that considers the unique challenges and variables involved. Effective problem-solving involves implementing solutions that are practical, feasible, and sustainable.

This section will discuss two approaches to implementing solutions to complex problems: small safe-to-fail solutions and solving easy problems with large benefits first.

11.1 Implementing Many Safe-to-Fail Solutions

One effective approach to implementing solutions to complex problems is small safe-to-fail solutions. This technique involves implementing a small-scale solution that can be tested quickly and easily to gather feedback.

Exploring multiple paths allows analysts to avoid over-commitment to suboptimal solutions.

Individuals can gather feedback and adjust before investing significant resources in a larger solution by starting with small-scale solutions. This approach can save time and resources while ensuring that the final solution meets the needs of stakeholders .

Small safe-to-fail experiments effectively deal with complexity where an engineering solution is unknown priori.

11.2 Prioritizing High-Yield Solutions

Another effective approach to implementing solutions to complex problems is to first solve easy problems with large benefits. This technique involves identifying and solving simple, straightforward problems that significantly impact the overall problem.

Individuals can progress quickly and gain momentum towards solving the larger problem by prioritising easy problems. This approach can also help build trust and credibility with stakeholders, as progress is visible and measurable.

11.3 A Systematic Approach to Implementing Solutions

It is important to note that both approaches should be used with a broader problem-solving methodology . Effective problem-solving requires a systematic approach that involves identifying the problem, gathering information, analyzing data, developing and evaluating potential solutions, and implementing the best solution. By implementing small safe-to-fail solutions and solving easy problems with large benefits, individuals can enhance their problem-solving approach and increase the likelihood of success.

In conclusion, implementing solutions to complex problems requires a structured approach considering the unique challenges and variables involved. Implementing small safe-to-fail solutions and solving easy problems with large benefits are two effective techniques for enhancing problem-solving. These techniques should be used with a broader problem-solving methodology to ensure the final solution is practical, feasible, and sustainable.

12. Tips and Strategies for Effective Complex Problem Solving

The following steps will you solve any complicated issue you might face. To illustrate the main ideas, we will use the example of a software team grappling with a productivity issue.

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Step 1: Identify the Problem

Objective — Paint a full picture of the problem by laying out the details, preferably on a piece of paper, classifying the problem, and deciding on an approach to solving it.

How it’s done — Write down a complete description of the problem, including its scope and impact on the various stakeholders or aspects of the business. Use data as evidence to support initial hypotheses. Find out if the problem is localised and can be resolved locally or whether it might need escalation and support from higher levels of management.

Step 2: Identify a Framework for Thinking about the Solution

Objective — Classify the problem as complex, complicated, or disordered. This classification will determine the approach to be used.

How it’s done — You can do that by asking the following questions.

  • Do we have multiple, internally consistent, competing hypotheses explaining the issue?
  • Does the available data support both theories?

In this case, the problem lies in the complex domain, and the preferred approach is to identify good solutions and conduct safe-to-fail experiments. If it’s a complicated (but not complex) problem, the following questions can be answered in the affirmative:

  • Do we have a single view that explains the problem?
  • Do we know the engineering part of the solution?
  • Is the problem sufficiently familiar to be solved by an expert?

Step 3: Gathering Data to Support the Proposed Hypotheses

Objective — The availability of data can help place the problem into perspective. For example, a dollar figure of the losses due to process inefficiencies can help identify the potential solutions that management will deem feasible.

How it’s done — All modern project management and tracking tools have sophisticated built-in data capture tools that can be exported, cleaned, and analysed for insights.

For example, when evaluating a team’s productivity, you can export data from JIRA, Jenkins, or BitBucket and measure performance metrics such as team velocity, overruns, and time-to-market.

When evidence is insufficient, you can gather more data, abandon the hypothesis, or temporarily shelve it.

Step 4: Logical Decomposition in Problem-Solving

Objective — Most problems worth tackling are also overwhelming in size and complexity (or complicatedness). Luckily, a logical decomposition into specialized areas or modules will help focus the team’s efforts on a small enough subproblem or bring in the right expertise.

How it’s done — A preferred method of this author is mindmaps. A mindmap is a tree that starts with a single node and branches off into different areas, views, or perspectives of the problem. Mindmaps help analysts stay focused on a key area. They also ensure that all aspects of a problem are covered.

Once a mindmap has been created, potential solutions can be explored.

Step 5: Solution Generation and Selection

Objective — The key principle of solution generation is comprehensively exploring the solution space. This exploration allows teams to avoid local minima or overcommitting to a suboptimal solution.

How it’s done — The most effective approach is to bring in several people from different areas of expertise or seniority and to offer every suggestion the opportunity to be heard and thoroughly explored.

Also, different stakeholders might favour solutions that maximise their (potentially) narrow gains. If not consulted, they might actively block the implementation of the selected solution if it adversely impacts their interests.

The technical aspect of problem-solving is relatively easy to generate and implement without budgetary or scheduling constraints . It’s only when you consider the cost and impact of a solution that complexity arises.

Step 6: Implementing the Solution

Objective — This stage aims to efficiently and effectively implement the (optimal) selected solution(s).

How it’s done — Three principal techniques are required for the solution implementation to succeed. The first is conducting safe-to-fail experiments. The second is allocating resources to conduct each experiment. The third is to set up the criteria for success or failure.

Step 7: Evaluating the Solution

Objective — Solutions might work well under laboratory conditions but fail spectacularly in the field. Evaluating solutions after a trial is vital to avoid continued investment in failed solutions.

How it’s done — The best way to evaluate a solution is by monitoring the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) originally in the problem diagnosis. Noticeable and measurable improvements should be observed when solutions are successful.

Measuring second-order effects or observing undesirable team or business dynamics changes is key to continuing or aborting initiatives.

Complex problem-solving refers to the ability to solve problems that are complex, ambiguous, and often require creative and innovative solutions. It involves identifying the root cause of a problem, analyzing different variables and factors, developing and evaluating possible solutions, and selecting the best course of action.

Complex problem-solving is essential because it allows individuals and organizations to overcome challenges and obstacles hindering their progress and success. It enables them to identify opportunities, improve processes, and innovate to stay ahead of the competition.

To develop your complex problem-solving skills, you can practice consistently, develop a systematic approach, and leverage the right tools and resources. You can also seek feedback from others, learn from your mistakes, and adopt a growth mindset that values continuous learning and improvement.

Some common obstacles to effective problem-solving include cognitive biases , lack of information, unclear objectives, and groupthink. These obstacles can hinder individuals and teams from developing effective solutions to complex problems.

Various tools and techniques for complex problem-solving include root cause analysis, fishbone diagrams, SWOT analysis, Pareto analysis, decision trees, and scenario planning. These tools can help individuals and teams to analyze complex problems, identify underlying causes, and develop effective solutions.

To improve your decision-making skills, you can develop a structured approach, gather and analyze relevant data, evaluate different options, and consider each alternative’s potential risks and benefits. You can also seek feedback from others and reflect on your past decisions to learn from your mistakes.

Complex problem-solving skills can be applied in various aspects of your personal life, such as improving your relationships, managing your finances, and achieving your goals. You can overcome obstacles and succeed personally by systematically analyzing different variables and factors and developing creative and innovative solutions.

To overcome cognitive biases in problem-solving, you can challenge your assumptions, seek diverse perspectives, and use data and evidence to inform your decisions. You can also use brainstorming and mind-mapping techniques to generate new ideas and avoid tunnel vision.

14. Final Words

In conclusion, complex problem-solving is a crucial skill that can significantly impact your professional and personal life. It allows you to navigate complex challenges, identify the root cause of a problem, and develop effective solutions.

By mastering the art of complex problem-solving, you can enhance your critical thinking, analytical skills, and decision-making abilities, which are essential for success in today’s fast-paced and dynamic business environment.

The key to mastering complex problem-solving is to practice consistently, develop a systematic approach, and leverage the right tools and resources. With patience, persistence, and a growth mindset, anyone can become a skilled problem solver and tackle even the most challenging problems.

Decision Making In a Professional Environment: Techniques and Pitfalls

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Creative Thinking: Innovative Solutions to Complex Challenges

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October 8, 2024

Learn how to grow a culture of creativity to innovate competitive solutions.

Overview: creative thinking skills course.

The tech breakthrough that makes smartphones irrelevant, a new viral ad campaign, your company’s next big revenue generator — ideas like these could be sitting in your brain; all you need are the creative thinking skills and strategies to pull them out.

This interactive program focuses explicitly on the creative thinking skills you need to solve complex problems and design innovative solutions. Learn how to transform your thinking from the standard “why can’t we” to the powerful “how might we.” Crack the code on how to consistently leverage your team’s creative potential in order to drive innovation within your organization. Explore how to build a climate for innovation, remove barriers to creativity, cultivate courage, and create more agile, proactive, and inspired teams.

You will leave this program with new ideas about how to think more productively and how to introduce creative thinking skills into your organization. You can apply key takeaways immediately to implement a new leadership vision, inspire renewed enthusiasm, and enjoy the skills and tools to tackle challenges and seize opportunities.

Innovation experts Anne Manning and Susan Robertson bring to this highly-interactive and powerful program their decades of experience promoting corporate innovation, teaching the art of creative problem solving, and applying the principles of brain science to solve complex challenges.

Who Should Take Creative Thinking Skills Training?

This program is ideal for leaders with at least 3 years of management experience. It is designed for leaders who want to develop new strategies, frameworks, and tools for creative problem solving. Whether you are a team lead, project manager, sales director, or executive, you’ll learn powerful tools to lead your team and your organization to create innovative solutions to complex challenges.

All participants will earn a Certificate of Participation from the Harvard Division of Continuing Education.

Benefits of Creative Thinking Skills Training

The goal of this creative thinking program is to help you develop the strategic concepts and tactical skills to lead creative problem solving for your team and your organization. You will learn to:

  • Retrain your brain to avoid negative cognitive biases and long-held beliefs and myths that sabotage creative problem solving and innovation
  • Become a more nimble, proactive, and inspired thinker and leader
  • Create the type of organizational culture that supports collaboration and nurtures rather than kills ideas
  • Gain a practical toolkit for solving the “unsolvable” by incorporating creative thinking into day-to-day processes
  • Understand cognitive preferences (yours and others’) to adapt the creative thinking process and drive your team’s success
  • Develop techniques that promote effective brainstorming and enable you to reframe problems in a way that inspires innovative solutions

The curriculum in this highly interactive program utilizes research-based methodologies and techniques to build creative thinking skills and stimulate creative problem solving.

Through intensive group discussions and small-group exercises, you will focus on topics such as:

  • The Creative Problem Solving process: a researched, learnable, repeatable process for uncovering new and useful ideas. This process includes a “how to” on clarifying, ideating, developing, and implementing new solutions to intractable problems
  • The cognitive preferences that drive how we approach problems, and how to leverage those cognitive preferences for individual and team success
  • How to develop—and implement— a methodology that overcomes barriers to innovative thinking and fosters the generation of new ideas, strategies, and techniques
  • The role of language, including asking the right questions, in reframing problems, challenging assumptions, and driving successful creative problem solving
  • Fostering a culture that values, nurtures, and rewards creative solutions

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Optimization Techniques for Solving Complex Problems

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Book description

Real-world problems and modern optimization techniques to solve them

Here, a team of international experts brings together core ideas for solving complex problems in optimization across a wide variety of real-world settings, including computer science, engineering, transportation, telecommunications, and bioinformatics.

Part One—covers methodologies for complex problem solving including genetic programming, neural networks, genetic algorithms, hybrid evolutionary algorithms, and more.

Part Two—delves into applications including DNA sequencing and reconstruction, location of antennae in telecommunication networks, metaheuristics, FPGAs, problems arising in telecommunication networks, image processing, time series prediction, and more.

All chapters contain examples that illustrate the applications themselves as well as the actual performance of the algorithms.?Optimization Techniques for Solving Complex Problems is a valuable resource for practitioners and researchers who work with optimization in real-world settings.

Table of contents

  • WILEY SERIES ON PARALLEL AND DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING
  • CONTRIBUTORS
  • 1.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 1.2 BACKGROUND
  • 1.3 DOMAINS
  • 1.4 ALGORITHMIC PROPOSAL
  • 1.5 EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS
  • 1.6 CONCLUSIONS
  • 2.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 2.2 LAZY RADIAL BASIS NEURAL NETWORKS
  • 2.3 EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS
  • 2.4 CONCLUSIONS
  • 3.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 3.2 ALGORITHMIC PROPOSAL
  • 3.3 EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS: THE RASTRIGIN FUNCTION
  • 3.4 CONCLUSIONS
  • 4.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 4.2 CELLULAR GENETIC ALGORITHMS
  • 4.3 PARALLEL MODELS FOR cGAs
  • 4.4 BRIEF SURVEY OF PARALLEL cGAs
  • 4.5 EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS
  • 4.6 CONCLUSIONS
  • 5.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 5.2 BACKGROUND
  • 5.3 DESCRIPTION OF THE METAHEURISTICS
  • 5.4 EXPERIMENTAL METHODOLOGY
  • 5.5 EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS
  • 5.6 CONCLUSIONS
  • 6.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 6.2 DYNAMIC OPTIMIZATION PROBLEMS
  • 6.3 CANONICAL MHs FOR DOPs
  • 6.4 BENCHMARKS
  • 6.5 METRICS
  • 6.6 CONCLUSIONS
  • 7.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 7.2 STRATEGIES FOR SOLVING CCOPs WITH HEAs
  • 7.3 STUDY CASES
  • 7.4 CONCLUSIONS
  • 8.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 8.2 TIME SERIES IDENTIFICATION
  • 8.3 OPTIMIZATION PROBLEM
  • 8.4 ALGORITHMIC PROPOSAL
  • 8.5 EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS
  • 8.6 CONCLUSIONS
  • 9.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 9.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE CRYPTOGRAPHIC ALGORITHMS
  • 9.3 IMPLEMENTATION PROPOSAL
  • 9.4 EXPERMENTAL ANALYSIS
  • 9.5 CONCLUSIONS
  • 10.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 10.2 STATE OF THE ART
  • 10.3 FPGA PROBLEM DESCRIPTION AND SOLUTION
  • 10.4 ALGORITHMIC PROPOSAL
  • 10.5 EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS
  • 10.6 CONCLUSIONS
  • 11.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 11.2 ALGORITHM OF THE SKELETON
  • 11.3 EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS
  • 11.4 CONCLUSIONS
  • 12.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 12.2 BACKGROUND
  • 12.3 ALGORITHMIC SKELETON FOR TREE SEARCHES
  • 12.4 EXPERIMENTATION METHODOLOGY
  • 12.5 EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
  • 12.6 CONCLUSIONS
  • 13.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 13.2 TOP-DOWN APPROACH
  • 13.3 BOTTOM-UP APPROACH
  • 13.4 AUTOMATA THEORY AND DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING
  • 13.5 PARALLEL ALGORITHMS
  • 13.6 DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING HEURISTICS
  • 13.7 CONCLUSIONS
  • 14.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 14.2 EVOLUTIONARY TECHNIQUES IN AUCTIONS
  • 14.3 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK: THE AUSUBEL AUCTION
  • 14.4 ALGORITHMIC PROPOSAL
  • 14.5 EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS
  • 14.6 CONCLUSIONS
  • 15.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 15.2 EVOLUTIONARY ALGORITHMS FOR GENERATING PREDICTION RULES
  • 15.3 EXPERIMENTAL METHODOLOGY
  • 15.4 EXPERIMENTS
  • 15.5 CONCLUSIONS
  • 16.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 16.2 METAHEURISTICS AND BIOINFORMATICS
  • 16.3 DNA FRAGMENT ASSEMBLY PROBLEM
  • 16.4 SHORTEST COMMON SUPERSEQUENCE PROBLEM
  • 16.5 CONCLUSIONS
  • 17.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 17.2 STATE OF THE ART
  • 17.3 RADIO NETWORK DESIGN PROBLEM
  • 17.4 OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHMS
  • 17.5 BASIC PROBLEMS
  • 17.6 ADVANCED PROBLEM
  • 17.7 CONCLUSIONS
  • 18.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 18.2 BACKGROUND
  • 18.3 MAIN FEATURES OF FPGA-BASED IMAGE PROCESSING
  • 18.4 ADVANCED DETAILS
  • 18.5 EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS: SOFTWARE VERSUS FPGA
  • 18.6 CONCLUSIONS
  • 19.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 19.2 BACKGROUND
  • 19.3 LASER DYNAMICS PROBLEM
  • 19.4 ALGORITHMIC PROPOSAL
  • 19.5 EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS
  • 19.6 PARALLEL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ALGORITHM
  • 19.7 CONCLUSIONS
  • 20.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 20.2 INFECTION ALGORITHM WITH AN EVOLUTIONARY APPROACH
  • 20.3 EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS
  • 20.4 CONCLUSIONS
  • 21.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 21.2 MULTIDIMENSIONAL KNAPSACK PROBLEM
  • 21.3 HYBRID MODELS
  • 21.4 EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS
  • 21.5 CONCLUSIONS
  • 22.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 22.2 BACKGROUND
  • 22.3 HYBRID GA FOR THE 2SPP
  • 22.4 GENETIC OPERATORS FOR SOLVING THE 2SPP
  • 22.5 INITIAL SEEDING
  • 22.6 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ALGORITHMS
  • 22.7 EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS
  • 22.8 CONCLUSIONS
  • 23.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 23.2 HYBRID ALGORITHMS FOR THE KCT PROBLEM
  • 23.3 EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS
  • 23.4 CONCLUSIONS
  • 24.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 24.2 RELATED WORK
  • 24.3 INDEPENDENT JOB SCHEDULING PROBLEM
  • 24.4 GENETIC ALGORITHMS FOR SCHEDULING IN GRID SYSTEMS
  • 24.5 GRID SIMULATOR
  • 24.6 INTERFACE FOR USING A GA-BASED SCHEDULER WITH THE GRID SIMULATOR
  • 24.7 EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS
  • 24.8 CONCLUSIONS
  • 25.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 25.2 BACKGROUND AND STATE OF THE ART
  • 25.3 ROS ARCHITECTURE
  • 25.4 INFORMATION EXCHANGE IN ROS
  • 25.5 XML IN ROS
  • 25.6 WRAPPERS
  • 25.7 EVALUATION OF ROS
  • 25.8 CONCLUSIONS
  • 26.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 26.3 MOSET AND TIDESI
  • 26.4 ABACUS
  • WILEY SERIES ON PARALLEL AND DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING Series Editor: Albert Y. Zomaya

Product information

  • Title: Optimization Techniques for Solving Complex Problems
  • Release date: March 2009
  • Publisher(s): Wiley
  • ISBN: 9780470293324

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Heavy Machinery Meets AI

  • Vijay Govindarajan
  • Venkat Venkatraman

solving complex problems techniques

Until recently most incumbent industrial companies didn’t use highly advanced software in their products. But now the sector’s leaders have begun applying generative AI and machine learning to all kinds of data—including text, 3D images, video, and sound—to create complex, innovative designs and solve customer problems with unprecedented speed.

Success involves much more than installing computers in products, however. It requires fusion strategies, which join what manufacturers do best—creating physical products—with what digital firms do best: mining giant data sets for critical insights. There are four kinds of fusion strategies: Fusion products, like smart glass, are designed from scratch to collect and leverage information on product use in real time. Fusion services, like Rolls-Royce’s service for increasing the fuel efficiency of aircraft, deliver immediate customized recommendations from AI. Fusion systems, like Honeywell’s for building management, integrate machines from multiple suppliers in ways that enhance them all. And fusion solutions, such as Deere’s for increasing yields for farmers, combine products, services, and systems with partner companies’ innovations in ways that greatly improve customers’ performance.

Combining digital and analog machines will upend industrial companies.

Idea in Brief

The problem.

Until recently most incumbent industrial companies didn’t use the most advanced software in their products. But competitors that can extract complex designs, insights, and trends using generative AI have emerged to challenge them.

The Solution

Industrial companies must develop strategies that fuse what they do best—creating physical products—with what digital companies do best: using data and AI to parse enormous, interconnected data sets and develop innovative insights.

The Changes Required

Companies will have to reimagine analog products and services as digitally enabled offerings, learn to create new value from data generated by the combination of physical and digital assets, and partner with other companies to create ecosystems with an unwavering focus on helping customers solve problems.

For more than 187 years, Deere & Company has simplified farmwork. From the advent of the first self-scouring plow, in 1837, to the launch of its first fully self-driving tractor, in 2022, the company has built advanced industrial technology. The See & Spray is an excellent contemporary example. The automated weed killer features a self-propelled, 120-foot carbon-fiber boom lined with 36 cameras capable of scanning 2,100 square feet per second. Powered by 10 onboard vision-processing units handling almost four gigabytes of data per second, the system uses AI and deep learning to distinguish crops from weeds. Once a weed is identified, a command is sent to spray and kill it. The machine moves through a field at 12 miles per hour without stopping. Manual labor would be more expensive, more time-consuming, and less reliable than the See & Spray. By fusing computer hardware and software with industrial machinery, it has helped farmers decrease their use of herbicide by more than two-thirds and exponentially increase productivity.

  • Vijay Govindarajan is the Coxe Distinguished Professor at Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business, an executive fellow at Harvard Business School, and faculty partner at the Silicon Valley incubator Mach 49. He is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. His latest book is Fusion Strategy: How Real-Time Data and AI Will Power the Industrial Future . His Harvard Business Review articles “ Engineering Reverse Innovations ” and “ Stop the Innovation Wars ” won McKinsey Awards for best article published in HBR. His HBR articles “ How GE Is Disrupting Itself ” and “ The CEO’s Role in Business Model Reinvention ” are HBR all-time top-50 bestsellers. Follow him on LinkedIn . vgovindarajan
  • Venkat Venkatraman is the David J. McGrath Professor at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, where he is a member of both the information systems and strategy and innovation departments. His current research focuses on how companies develop winning digital strategies. His latest book is Fusion Strategy: How Real-Time Data and AI Will Power the Industrial Future.  Follow him on LinkedIn . NVenkatraman

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    Technique: Lightning Decision Jam is a rapid problem-solving technique involving gathering a diverse group of individuals to brainstorm solutions to a problem quickly. It's a great way to generate creative ideas and make quick decisions. Example: Imagine a software development team facing a critical bug in their application.

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    Puzzles Simple problems have one problem solution. The goal is to find that answer as quickly and efficiently as possible. Puzzles are classic examples of simple problem solving. The objective is to find the one correct solution out of many possibilities. Puzzles are simple problems with one right answer. Problems

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    December 04, 2018 Corey Phelps, a strategy professor at McGill University, says great problem solvers are hard to find. Even seasoned professionals at the highest levels of organizations...

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    Approach and solve large and complex problems. Assess end-to-end processes and associated challenges, in order to significantly increase the likelihood of success in developing more complex systems. Implement effective problem-solving techniques, including abstracting the problem, idea generation, concept development and refinement, system ...

  8. Problem-Solving Techniques and Tips (That Actually Work)

    Today's post will give you tips and techniques for solving complex problems so you can untangle any complication like an expert. At its core, problem-solving is a methodical four-step process. You may even recall these steps from when you were first introduced to the Scientific Method. First, you must define the problem.

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    The best way to solve it is to consider a 1x2 bar first, then a 1x3, a 2x3, etc. The lesson behind this, is that if you have to solve a complex problem, you will want to cut it in the smallest pieces as possible, until reaching the most elementary ones, and then expand them little by little to understand the overall problem.

  11. Critical Thinking Unleashed: Expert Techniques to Solve Complex Problems

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  13. The Six Systems Thinking Steps to Solve Complex Problems

    Set 1: Tell the Story The first step in solving the problem is to understand it, and this can be achieved through looking deeply at the whole system rather than individual parts. This step requires meeting with the stakeholders to share their vision about the situation.

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    Finding a suitable solution for issues can be accomplished by following the basic four-step problem-solving process and methodology outlined below. Step. Characteristics. 1. Define the problem. Differentiate fact from opinion. Specify underlying causes. Consult each faction involved for information. State the problem specifically.

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    About this book. Real-world problems and modern optimization techniques to solve them. Here, a team of international experts brings together core ideas for solving complex problems in optimization across a wide variety of real-world settings, including computer science, engineering, transportation, telecommunications, and bioinformatics. ….

  18. Creative Thinking: Innovative Solutions to Complex Challenges

    Develop techniques that promote effective brainstorming and enable you to reframe problems in a way that inspires innovative solutions; Curriculum. The curriculum in this highly interactive program utilizes research-based methodologies and techniques to build creative thinking skills and stimulate creative problem solving.

  19. OPTIMIZATION TECHNIQUES FOR SOLVING COMPLEX PROBLEMS

    Optimization techniques for solving complex problems / [edited by] Enrique Alba, Christian Blum, Pedro Isasi, Coromoto Le´on, Juan Antonio G omez´ Includes bibliographic references and index. ISBN 978--470-29332-4 (cloth) Printed in the United States of America 10987654321

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    Optimization Techniques for Solving Complex Problems Enrique Alba (Editor), Christian Blum (Editor), Pedro Asasi (Editor), Coromoto Leon (Editor), Juan Antonio Gomez (Editor) ISBN: 978--470-29332-4 March 2009504 Pages Starting at just $135.00 Starting at just $168.50 View on Wiley Online Library Index (PDF) Download Product Flyer

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