Mind the Gap When Problem Solving

Introduction

I came across a fascinating human cognition concept; learning that our brains have an intriguing ability to smoothly bridge information gaps. Thinking it through made sense, essentially a form of cognitive sleight of hand and similar to what we experience in an optical illusion.

The image below explains this phenomenon well, our brains will fill in the gaps to reconstruct a 3D image out of the 2D drawing, giving the illusion of depth.

When we're missing crucial pieces of a mental puzzle, our brains roll up their sleeves and get to work, piecing it all together. This phenomenon is what scientists call perceptual filling-in or restoration , and it's a key piece in our problem-solving toolkit, especially when working in tandem with others.

I want to take a closer look at this fascinating concept, its real-world implications, and some practical strategies for navigating it effectively.

Insight

What intrigues me is how our brains engage in a form of extrapolation to construct a coherent reality when faced with information gaps. This is present in auditory and visual settings, albeit the mechanisms around the how are contested and debated , the fact remains that it does actually happen.

Simply put, our brains are adept at making things up to make sense of the world around us. While this ability is remarkable, it can also present a challenge, particularly when brainstorming and discussing ideas in group settings.

Picture this: you're in a meeting, trying to solve a problem, and you realize that you or a colleague are making assumptions without verifying them or remaining closed off to new information while seeking a solution.

Moreover, several factors exacerbate this challenge. Noise, distractions, mental fatigue, stress, and bias can amplify the effect of our brains filling in the gaps, potentially leading us astray in our decision-making processes.

Recommendations:

Here are some recommendations to consider that can mitigate potential issues coming up from the brain filling in the blank effect.

1. Be passionate about the problem, not the solution: This approach, prominent in the world of product management, emphasizes the importance of understanding the problem before rushing to a solution. Instead of fixating on your initial ideas, invest your energy in uncovering the root of the issues. By doing so, you create a solid foundation for innovative and effective problem-solving.
2. Slow down to speed up: Resist the urge to rush through the problem-solving process. Take the time to question your assumptions, and be prepared to revisit your conclusions. Recognize that situations are fluid, and information can change over various timespans, ranging from minutes to hours to days to months etc. An adaptable and fluid approach often yields more accurate and sustainable solutions.
3. Don't make it personal: When confronted with challenges related to filling in the gaps, it's essential to abstract yourself from the issue. Ask challenging questions that promote thought and critical thinking, even if it means challenging your own assumptions. This detachment from personal biases fosters a more objective and effective problem-solving environment.

Conclusion

Understanding how our brains naturally fill in the gaps when information is absent is key to becoming a more effective problem solver, both individually and in group settings. This cognitive phenomenon can be tricky, capable of driving innovation or leading us astray. The recommendations and strategies of: focusing on the problem, slowing down to speed up, and maintaining objectivity, can help with navigating this cognitive phenomenon and mitigating its potential pitfalls.

In a world where information is often incomplete, our ability to navigate this challenge is a valuable skill that can make a significant difference in our professional lives. This becomes all the more pertinent in this day and age, with all the pressure and incentives for being first when it comes to getting information out there.