Lecture 12, 13 and 21 Flashcards
(34 cards)
What are the characteristics of a problem?
Givens - what you have at the start
Operations - what you can do with what you have
Goals - what you want to achieve
In what two ways can problems be classified?
Structure and complexity
What is meant by a problems structure?
A problems structure refers to its regular internal features that can be used to derive, predict or calculate outcomes
How did Herbert Simon classify problems to their degree of structure?
- Strcutured - routine problems, can be solved by a known method, often programmable, suited to computer-based analysis
- Semi-structure -only part of the problem is structured, that part can be solved in a familiar way
- Unstructured - there is no ready method for solving it, it must be structured before it can be resolved
What is meant by complexity of a problem?
Complexity refers to how many things are involved in the problem; how much they interact, if they get messier when they go on for longer; if they are combined with other problems
How did Russell Ackoff classify problems according to their complexity?
- Puzzles: well defined problems with a specific solution that one can work out
- Problems: well-defined but there are many possible solutions depending on the circumstances or personal styles
- Messes: complex issues where there is not even agreement on what the problem is, solution must address the whole mess.
What are puzzles?
It is clear what the problem is. There are multiple ways to solve it but there is only one correct answer
Standard, discipline specific formulae or calculations apply.
One needs to know the appropriate methods for solving it
The solution is ambiguous
What are problems?
Problems involve some quantifications and some unknowns.
Possible solutions can easily be calculated but there might be too many possible options to go through
What is meant by constraint satisfaction problems?
Constraint satisfaction problems are characterised by:
+interdependence among their components
+all components reach some acceptable and fixed value under the rules governing the problem
+the constraints set limits on what solutions are possible
What is meant by optimisation, maximisation and minimisation problems?
Methods on how to do something in the best possible way
What is meant by search space problems?
These types of problems can in principle be solved, or not, and how long a solution may be expected to take.
It requires less intelligence but more labour
What are messes?
Messes are problems that are not simple, nor easily modelled using mathematical and logical structures and cannot be resolved in this way.
It requires management rather than solving
What is design thinking?
A process and mindset that seeks to solve complex problems with empathy at its core
A problem-solving framework that puts the human at the centre of the challenge
What are the benefits of design thinking?
+a human centric process
+an iterative process
+redefines the problem
+promotes a solution-based approach
+allows development of empathy with the target user
+provides a hands-on approach to prototyping and testing
What are the ingredients for a successful design thinking process?
+a beginners mindset
+a process that provides s framework for change and innovation
+a mental space that fosters and encourages the use of creativity
+a desire to empathise
What are some examples and process for design thinking?
+Seven steps(Simon): define, research, ideate, prototype, choose, implement and learn
+Mckim: Express-Test-Cycle
+Meinel and Leifer: Redefining the problem, needfinding, benchmarking, ideating, building, testing
+Stanford school: empathise, define, ideate, prototype, test
What is meant by the empathise step of the design thinking process?
The work done to understand people within the context of the design, gather rich information
Exercise the ability to mirror their emotions and motivations
Observing, engaging and watching and listening is how to empathise
What is meant by the define step of the design thinking process?
Bringing clarity and focus based information learnt from empathising
Goal is to craft a meaningful and actionable problem statement
Problem statement combines the user, their needs and ones insights
What is meant by the ideate step of the design thinking process?
The combining of ones conscious and unconscious mind, rational thoughts with imagination
Concentrating on idea generation, providing fuel and source material for prototype building
It helps to transition from identifying problems to creating solutions
What is meant by the prototype step of the design thinking process?
It is the iterative generation of artifacts
Involves creating something a user can interact with to understand their emotions or responses on ones ideas
It should be built with user in mind to focus on what testing of prototype should yield
Should always prototype as if one is right
What is meant by the testing step of the design thinking process?
Feedback is solicited about prototype from users, providing an opportunity to gain more empathy for users
Helps refine prototypes, solutions, povs and information about user
Tester should help to interpret the prototype and asked to make comparisons
What are the pitfalls of design thinking?
Agreement required on who the actual user is
Assumptions and pre-emptied ideas to be put to the side
Brainstorming can diverge into too many ideas to evaluate
Designs must survive the viability test
What is computational thinking?
The thinking process needed to convert human ideas into plans and language that computers can interpret and execute
The use of computational concepts, methods, and tools transforms disciplines, professions and sectors
What are the basic steps of problem solving?
Understand the problem, devise a plan, execute the plan, review and extend
