We’ve been taught that the faster we come to a solution, the worse that solution probably is. In some cases, that’s true, but it’s not about speed. It’s about taking the shortest and most efficient route between a problem and solution.
So what does that mean exactly? Instead of taking the scenic route and wasting our brainpower on using the “correct” problem solving processes, we jump straight into the problem itself and begin working towards a solution. There’s nothing complex or scenic about it. The biggest question right now is why does it make us so much more productive.
Avoid Over-Complicating A Problem
We’ve all waken in the middle of the night, filled with worry over some personal or professional problem. Our minds go from rational to irrational in about 30 seconds flat. What should be a relatively simple problem to solve, we make it incredibly complicated.
Think of it as putting together a jig-saw puzzle. The shortest route between the problem and solution would be to look at the picture on the box, organize the pieces by color/image and start piecing it together. If we were to take the more complicated route, we’d throw out the box and maybe mix in half the pieces from a similar looking puzzle. The more steps we try to take to solve a problem, the more complicated it becomes to reach a solution.
Stay Focused On The Core Problem
Wouldn’t we all love to create that one thing that solves every problem ever? The closest thing we have right now is those adorable cat booths that help take our minds off stress while playing with kittens. Yet, those allergic to cats are still left out. The point is, there will always be more problems to solve.
By focusing on taking the shortest route, we stay focused on the core problem we set out to solve. We don’t take detours, we don’t pass “go”. We just get our hands dirty and work on the problem. What happens as a result? A better solution because it’s far more focused on that specific problem.
Find A Targeted Solution
Something to keep in mind as we set out on the journey from problem to solution is to love the problem. When we begin by loving the idea of the solution versus the problem, we get horribly sidetracked. We’re already congratulating ourselves when we haven’t really done anything yet.
We have to always start with the problem itself. The more focused we stay on the problem, the easier it is to reason our way to the perfect targeted solution. In the end, that’s why users want from UX design – targeted solutions that meet their needs.
Arrive At A Solution Faster
Okay, so the goal isn’t to solve problems faster. The quickest answer isn’t always the best. After all, that’s why the best UX solutions come from teamwork. We could take that more scenic route we talked about earlier. We could let ourselves get sidetracked during discussions and come up with a dozen more problems we absolutely need to solve, right – this – minute.
But what good does that do? How much longer are we taking to come up with the solution to our original problem? In our desire to come up with bigger and better, we take longer and may actually miss the mark. Sometimes, it’s better to keep it simple and stay focused on that short route between problem and solution.
Preventing Adding In More Problems
The longer route we take, the more problems that will arise. It’s not just about solving problems for the UX design itself. When we step off that short, but well beaten path, we create numerous other problems that take away from us arriving at a solution.
For instance, we might think we need a much larger team to gain expertise from more people. By expanding the original core team, we add in more voices that want to be heard and think their solutions are best. The original team gets jealous and might feel left out, which leads to them not doing their best. Suddenly, we’re stuck with all these other problems. As it spirals out of control, we just feel like wishing upon a star for the solution.
Create More Effective Teamwork
The more focused the project becomes, the more effective the teamwork. Why? By communicating the core problem, it’s easier for the team to start brainstorming. This leads to better communication and an eagerness to tackle the issue instead of feeling overwhelmed. Instead of everyone coming up with their own version of the problem, they stay centered on creating the best possible strategy to solve the problem at hand.
The moral of this story – don’t get overzealous. If you want to find better solutions and be more productive as a team, focus on the shortest route between the problem and solution.
Images: Ryan Hefner, Chris Potter, Andrew Ruiz