What are some tools or frameworks that help you solve complex problems?

Remember this 10 Steps as Problem-solving's Framework: In e-commerce, as a software developer engineer, the problem is a faulty checkout process leading to reduced sales. The steps are: 1. Identify the issue. 2. Understand budget and time limits. 3. Collect user feedback and logs. 4. Analyze data for checkout problems. 5. Generate solutions (e.g., UI improvements). 6. Evaluate based on cost and impact. 7. Implement the best solution. 8. Monitor and improve. 9. Document changes. 10. Report results to management. This systematic approach aims to enhance the user experience while considering budget and time constraints.

One can take a number of different approaches when solving problems, and still come up with the same solution. The key to problem solving is efficiency - the tool used should be chosen based on the inputs available and the quality of the outputs required to solve the problem at hand.

Fundamental framework - 5 stages (at least from my perspective) 1. Identify problem using root cause analysis technique 2. Either brainstorm with your team, or brainstorm within your mind to foster logical pathways to resolution 3. Evaluate most “logical” solution which will mitigate the chances of a failed approach to resolution 4. Execute 5. Post Mortem analysis to define both success and failure of approach taken. This will assist in future problem solving in a plethora of different areas.

My most profound tool in helping alcoholics and addicts desire recovery is using fiction as a clinical and technical tool, that is short stories designed around behaviors they relate to regarding dysfunction, and then how to live normally. My clearest and earliest example came when I had a felon read, to the group, a story about loss of a special love. Not only was he demonstrative in presentation, but he captured the necessary passion to express feelings freely, allowing himself and others to experience that it was okay to be intimate with those who have similar problems, that is loss of freedom and a sort of powerlessness for the moment. Future group sessions were more honest and meaningful.

Business analysis frameworks, such as PESTLE, can help you understand what factors might stand in the way of your success - breaking these factors into buckets of Political, Economical, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental ensure that you take a wide view of their impact.

They say "if you can explain the problem in a single statement (idea being briefly), the problem is half -solved". I think this aptly captures the essence of problem solving. To get better at solving , one should try to get better at problem finding 1.Learn to map user journey's properly. If you can clearly map out user journey, you will be able to identify the gaps and troubles (read problems) in the journey 2.Use techniques and frameworks to find out core issues. 5 Whys and RCA are two most commonly used frameworks 3. Make it a habit to consider all possible solutions before choosing the path to take 4. Fail fast and reiterate