"A problem well-stated is a problem half-solved." - John Dewey
When we're tasked to come up with an innovative solution to a loosely thought through problem, it's natural to just start firing out possible solutions. I'm guilty of doing it myself.
We don't spend enough time making sure we understand the problem or finding a way to re-frame the problem.
To illustrate here's a real life example:
A group was tasked to come up with a cost effective incubator for premature babies in developing countries. Trying to bring down the cost of these extremely expensive machines you see in hospitals was proving to be quite difficult.
They went back to revisit the challenge and with a little research they realized that the purpose of the incubator is to keep the baby warm.
With that new information they changed their problem statement from "How to do we design a cheaper incubator?" to "How do we keep babies warm?"
What came out of it was a baby-sized sleeping bag.
It looks nothing like the incubator you would see in a hospital.
I watched the movie Her last night and I had so many conflicting feelings. I thought it was cool, scary and sad all at the same time. (warning: potential spoilers)
- My early adopter, can't-wait-for-the-future side thinks It's such a cool idea! I'd be so efficient lol.
- It was unsettling that someone can look through my whole life (that quickly no less) and know what makes me tick.
- The hopeless romantic in me was sad that he found that kind of love and couldn't be with her.
Other thoughts. It was interesting:
- how socially acceptable it became to date your OS. I parallel it with online dating and how the stigma of that has significantly reduced in the last few years.
- that there's a service to write heartfelt letters juxtaposed against this quiet world where everyone is talking to their technology instead of each other... maybe it was commentary that while the world is growing further and further apart because of technology, there's this human need to feel connected.
- the story line around the surrogate. In the movie it was unpaid work, but I imagine that it's highly plausible that that could be a profession in the future. I found it beautiful that the surrogate believed in their love so much that she wanted to do it for free and that she was so devastated when it didn't work out. It'd be interesting to see what was going on in her life... what made her decide this was something she wanted to do.
Aww yeah! SFI in the RDC house!
We got together on a Google Hangout to film our video application for the Rotman Design Challenge. I can't wait to work with these super smart and talented individuals to kick butt.
Go Team!
Went for a twenty course meal to celebrate Jen's birthday. We were raising the white flag by the 12th plate and each dish just got heavier and heavier! They offered to make the portions smaller near the end. We happily accepted. Delicious though!
365 Doodle Series: http://www.pansylee.com/blog?tag=365Doodle
Ugh. I've been getting heartburn a lot lately. I read apples or chamomile tea are supposed to help. 365 Doodle Series: http://www.pansylee.com/blog?tag=365Doodle
Went snowmobiling for the first time today! It was so fun! (and scary).
365 Doodle Series: http://www.pansylee.com/blog?tag=365Doodle
omg it was sooooooo windy today. I feared for my life as I walked through a maze made of temporary construction fences.
Most people probably don't remember the speeches given at their high school graduation. But for some reason I remember mine and that speech has really stuck with me for the last 14 years. Dr John Hull talked about how, above all else, character is what sets people apart.
Update: I couldn't remember the exact speech but luckily I wasn't the only person it had an effect on.
Alex Philip: Pansy, I remember that speech too. He said, "Grades will get you into university. Character will keep you there. Good looks and charm will get you a spouse. Character will keep you married. Your resume may land you a job. Character will keep you employed." I have never forgotten that speech.
Thanks Alex!
Decided to ride my bike to work today. Why?! Cause I'm crazy. Ended up getting a flat tire and having to carry my bike the rest of the way. Luckily I was only 2 blocks from work.
