How can you improve problem-solving outcomes with feedback loops?

1 What are feedback loops?

A feedback loop is a system that compares the output of a process with a desired goal and provides information that can be used to modify the input or the process itself. For example, a thermostat is a feedback loop that measures the temperature of a room and adjusts the heating or cooling system to maintain a set level. Feedback loops can be positive or negative, depending on whether they amplify or dampen the deviation from the goal. Positive feedback loops can create exponential growth or decline, while negative feedback loops can create stability or equilibrium.

2 How do feedback loops enhance creative problem-solving?

Creative problem-solving is a method that involves identifying a problem, generating and evaluating possible solutions, and implementing and testing the best one. Feedback loops can enhance each stage of this method by providing valuable data and insights that can help you refine your problem definition, generate more diverse and novel ideas, evaluate your solutions more objectively and critically, and implement and test your solutions more effectively and efficiently. Feedback loops can also help you avoid common pitfalls in problem-solving, such as confirmation bias, overconfidence, or fixation.

3 How to apply feedback loops in problem-solving scenarios?

Different types of feedback loops can be utilized for various problem-solving scenarios, depending on the goals, resources, and constraints. For instance, A/B testing is a loop that evaluates two versions of a product, service, or message to determine which performs better in terms of a specific metric. This can be used to test assumptions or prototypes and optimize solutions based on data. Iterative design involves creating and testing multiple versions of a solution, incorporating user feedback and observations, and making improvements until an acceptable outcome is achieved. Through this loop, different possibilities can be explored, features or elements experimented with, and solutions adapted to user needs. Lastly, reflection and learning is a loop that involves reviewing and analyzing the problem-solving process and outcomes in order to identify what worked well and what didn't. This can help assess strengths and weaknesses, recognize biases and errors, and develop new strategies for future problem-solving.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?