Complex Problems? Use “Symmetry” and “Elegance” as Beacons

We all face business situations where we need to solve complex problems, but tackling these can be a challenge. It consumes lot of time and energy, and sometimes solutions are a problem in itself, as these get rigid and does not scale to accommodate even a slightly altered situation, or allowing integration of additional modules. While tackling problems, the “bigger picture” might not be apparent immediately, unless one lives through the process.  Hence, all interim workings that we create need to contribute towards altered situations and must also scale to accommodate additional modules. Otherwise the overall experience can be quite painful leading to lot of mental strain and frustration.

Hence, while solving complex problems we need to be aware that we are progressing in the right direction. This becomes a challenge, as sometimes the problems are unique, with no external references and experiences. Looking for “Elegance” in the discovered solution can act as much needed beacon - helping us in traversing through the uncertainties, without letting us getting lost.  Why? The Human Brain functions best (with least energy) in dealing with “Elegance”, and it resonates intricately with the functioning of all “natural systems”, as “nature” is the “most experienced” in solving complex problems. Even the solutions to equations describing complex scientific laws like “Einstein’s theory of relativity”, and “String theory” are simple and elegant. Symptom of “Elegance” is a sign of an impending solution, and therefore solutions without “Elegance” should be summarily rejected as suboptimal.

But, how do we know the solution that we found is “Elegant” or not? The good news is that “Elegance” is closely coupled with “Symmetry”. Consciously focusing our minds in driving the solution towards “Symmetry” can make complex situations look beautiful and therefore “Elegant”. To prevent the discussion becoming hypothetical, let’s deal with specific examples. “Microsoft Excel” enables us create automated tools which augments our ability to analyze business data for decision making. Customized tools developed by the individual himself are far more effective and efficient than standard tools, as most business situations can be significantly different. But, developing these tools can be very challenging for them to be able to stand “the productivity test” in dealing with altered situations and significant expansion of “the problem” itself.

Following some basic principles while working with “Microsoft Excel” can make the working a pleasurable experience then a painful one. The first principle to follow is to organize your input data in a separate sheet. One should religiously avoid working in the “data input sheet”, for enabling one to flexibly input data without altering/impacting the formulas in the working sheet. The second principle is to structure the formulas in the “working sheets” so that it scales across both rows and column. The advantage is that any change can then be dealt with easily, and it will mitigate inadvertent errors while copy pasting. The third principle is to have a separate “output sheets” for visualization of data. Following this modular approach, makes the solution symmetrical, elegant and scalable.

The other challenge is to communicate complex business situations to the stakeholders without dilution of the basic information and their losing interest. Here, skills of presenting complex data in simple and elegant form becomes very handy. But, why? As human minds are naturally attracted towards focusing on objects which looks “symmetric” and “beautiful”. All effective presentations are based on this principle. An effective presentation should be less busy, and devoid of clutter. The information carried should be structured in a symmetrical manner (with correct font sizes flowing across slides) with clear focus on the choice of colors as well. The slides should be connected to tell a story, and none of them should look redundant. A single properly structured presentation can be far more effective in achieving the desired result, then repeated multiple interaction with complex and cluttered data. The principle of “symmetry and elegance” is not just limited to these examples, but can be effectively applied in other real life situations as well.

Our minds are self-learning complex machines and therefore need training to consciously look for symmetry while dealing with complex situations. The importance of training emanates from the fact that human mind functions in two separate modes – “subconscious mode” and “conscious mode”. Subconscious mode functions more seamlessly and consumes the least energy and drives most of the automated functions. Conscious mode is erratic and consumes more energy, and therefore lazy. Experience and training can drive the subconscious mind to look naturally for symmetry while solving complex problems. This will improve skills, increase productivity and reduce stress and anxiety while dealing with difficult situations.

‘"The views expressed in this post are my personal views and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer"