How can you use emerging trends in problem-solving frameworks?

1 Why follow trends?

You might question the value of staying up-to-date on the latest trends in problem-solving frameworks. However, familiarizing yourself with the best practices and innovations in your field can help you to adjust to changing contexts and expectations of your clients, stakeholders, or users. Additionally, it can enable you to learn new skills and perspectives that can enhance your problem-solving process. By keeping abreast of the trends, you may also uncover new opportunities and insights that could be overlooked.

2 How to spot trends?

To spot the trends in problem-solving frameworks, you need to be curious, observant, and open-minded. To identify and learn about new trends, you can use various sources and methods, such as reading books or articles, attending webinars or workshops, networking with other problem-solvers, or experimenting with new frameworks or tools on your own projects. This will give you a better understanding of the latest developments and case studies in problem-solving, teach or demonstrate new frameworks or techniques, provide feedback from experts or practitioners who use or create the new frameworks, and evaluate the effectiveness and suitability of the new tools.

3 What are some trends?

Exploring and utilizing emerging trends in problem-solving frameworks can be beneficial. For example, data-driven problem-solving uses data and analytics to define, measure, and solve problems. This can help make more informed and objective decisions, optimize processes and outcomes, and communicate results more clearly. Lean Six Sigma, OKR, A/B testing, and data visualization are a few of the frameworks that support this trend. Human-centered problem-solving focuses on understanding and empathizing with those affected or involved in the problem. This can create more relevant solutions, foster collaboration and co-creation, and increase impact and value. Design thinking, service design, customer journey mapping, and persona development are some of the tools that support this trend. Lastly, systems thinking emphasizes the interrelationships of elements that make up a problem or system. This can allow you to see the big picture and root causes, anticipate consequences and feedback loops, as well as design more sustainable solutions. Leverage points, systems archetypes, causal loop diagrams, and scenario planning are a few of the frameworks that support this trend.

4 How to use trends?

Using the trends in problem-solving frameworks does not mean that you have to abandon your existing methods or tools. Instead, you can use them to complement, enhance, or expand your problem-solving repertoire. When deciding which framework or tool is most appropriate for a given problem, consider the nature, scope, and complexity of the problem, as well as your goals, resources, and constraints. You can also combine or integrate different frameworks or tools to suit your needs and preferences. It is also important to learn from your experience and feedback by monitoring results and outcomes, as well as seeking feedback from clients, stakeholders, or users. This will help you improve your skills and knowledge and adapt to changing situations and demands.

5 How to share trends?

Exploring trends in problem-solving frameworks can benefit others who are interested in or involved in problem-solving. You can share your insights and experiences with the trends in various ways, such as writing articles or creating presentations to explain or demonstrate the new frameworks or tools. You can also teach or mentor others who want to learn or use the new frameworks or tools, as well as start or join discussions about the new frameworks or tools and their implications and challenges.

6 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?