Problem Solving I (The Spiral Method)

I would like to share at least three methods for problem solving. As is often the case in this blog, they will not contain material that you will find all that shocking or original, but maybe revisiting something you already know might prove of value in times of trouble.

The Basic Engineering Method – Sometimes Called the Spiral Development Model

Step 1- Understand the Problem

This is not nearly a simple as it sounds. Understanding a problem is a complex layered process. For example, “I don’t have enough money,” is not really the problem. If you don’t have any expenses, money is not a problem. Ask yourself why is not having enough money a problem. Perhaps the answer is, I have too many debts. Why do you have too many debts? Perhaps the answer is, “I bought things I didn’t need with money I didn’t have and then I got sick and lost my job.” There are at least four dimensions to this particular problem, spending habits, existing debt, health, and unemployment. Ask how have my spending habits contributed to this problem. Perhaps there is a psychological dimension to this problem called compulsive shopping. I think you get the idea.

Step 2- Propose a Solution

Once you have enough information, begin to construct a solution. It does not have to be perfect, complete, or address all the issues in step 1. In this particular example, visiting a free clinic, calling all creditors in an attempt to negotiate reduced payments, and contacting anyone you might know who could help you find a new job might be a proposed solution.

Step 3- Implement the Solution

Many people with problems spend a great deal of time on steps 1 and 2 (particularly Step 1), but never get to step 3. Talking to others about your problems is necessary but it is not an end in itself. At some point a proposed solution has to be implemented.

Step 4- Examine the Results

Once you are implementing your planned solution, examine the results you are getting. Generally, life is a pretty quick feedback mechanism. It usually does not take all that long to determine if your efforts are producing the results you desire. If your initial solution is working, great, keep on working that solution. If you are not getting everything you want as quickly as you want, return to step 1. Did I really understand the problem? Begin over again or continue to uncover layers in the Understand the Problem step. Perhaps you have not been able to find a job in your hometown, because there are no jobs in your hometown. That might lead to a proposal to expand your job search horizon.

I think you get the idea. Wikipedia observes, “The spiral model was defined by Barry Boehm in his 1980 article "A Spiral Model of Software Development and Enhancement." This model was not the first model to discuss iterative development, but it was the first model to explain why the iteration matters.”