2nd meeting: Problem-solving process

What is problem solving activity

During the second meeting we continued in brainstorming about a problem solving process. We realized that we are actually also in a problem solving process while working on this project. First we do analysis to define the problem (the research question formulation), and thereafter synthesis to create an appropriate solution (its physical demonstration) An important part of the analysis is to transform the ill-structured 'problem' (key & solution) into a one or more well-structured problem. This point out on saying Never ask bad questions. 

Need for a method

How do we cope with complexity?

What are interpersonal obstacles to solve problems?

To answer the 1st question, imagine many cables. By separating them it is possible to distinguish what cable has Micro USB to USB-extension. This would not be possible to know before separating them. 

The complicated pattern of the network can be transformed into a simple pattern. And the human capacity to reduced complicated questions to simple ones is natural activity, although it is important to create models to create a guidelines of checklist, so one problem solving would lead to better solution.
It is possible to see this as a creating a story. Storyline is structured data with correlations in time. This is very human way of explaining.

It is very hard, almost impossible to cover the whole problem. So we select. Select the parts of the problem that are tangible, that we can change and understand. Humans are limited. We can not process multiple information at the same time, otherwise we could experience information overload. Therefore, we need to reframe the problem and create boundaries to our focus to formulate the problem. 

We looked on the topic again from a different perspective...

Heuristics are problem solving technics derived from our experience and we use them, although they are not logical and does not necessary lead to any optimal solutions. These identified decisions patterns can be depending on our genes. Reframing, formulating a question and problem solving methods are, on contrary, essential and rational ways to reach successfully adequate solutions.

Wicked problem 
Problem that is difficult or impossible to solve because of incomplete, contradictory, and changing requirements that are often difficult to recognize. The term ‘wicked’ is used, not in the sense of evil but rather its resistance to resolution

Rittel and Webber refer to problems as 'wicked': 

1. There is no definitive formulation of a wicked problem.
2. Wicked problems have no stopping rule.
3. Solutions to wicked problems are not true-or-false, but good or bad.
4. There is no immediate and no ultimate test of a solution to a wicked problem.
5. Every solution to a wicked problem is a "one-shot operation"; because there is no opportunity to learn by trial and error, every attempt counts significantly. Solutions are not right or wrong.
6. Wicked problems do not have an enumerable (or an exhaustively describable) set of potential solutions, nor is there a well-described set of permissible operations that may be incorporated into the plan.
7. Every wicked problem is essentially unique.
8. Every wicked problem can be considered to be a symptom of another problem.
9. The existence of a discrepancy representing a wicked problem can be explained in numerous ways. The choice of explanation determines the nature of the problem's resolution.
10. The social planner has no right to be wrong (i.e.: Planners are liable for the consequences of the actions they generate).