An inference method used in AI and expert systems where reasoning starts from the goal and works backward to determine the necessary conditions. Important for developing intelligent systems that can solve complex problems by working from desired outcomes.
Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) is an AI method that solves new problems based on the solutions of similar past problems. This approach is essential for developing intelligent systems that learn from past experiences to improve problem-solving capabilities.
The worth of something based on its ability to help achieve a desired end or goal. Useful for understanding and prioritizing design elements that contribute to user goals.
A reusable solution to common design problems that provides a standard way of addressing recurring issues in design. Essential for creating consistent and efficient design solutions.
Also known as "Maslow's Hammer," a cognitive bias where people rely too heavily on a familiar tool or method, often summarized as "if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.". Important for designers to recognize and avoid over-reliance on familiar methods in problem-solving and design.
A cognitive process where ideas are brought together to find a single, best solution to a problem. Important for problem-solving and decision-making in design processes.
A problem-solving process that includes logical reasoning, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithmic thinking. Important for developing efficient and effective solutions in digital product design and development.
A problem-solving approach that involves breaking down complex problems into their most basic, foundational elements. Crucial for developing innovative solutions by understanding and addressing core issues.
A brainstorming technique that frames problems as opportunities for innovation, starting with the phrase "How might we...?". Essential for fostering creativity and generating solutions during the design process.
The integration and application of knowledge and skills from multiple disciplines to enhance understanding and innovation. Crucial for fostering a holistic approach to problem-solving and design.
A creative thinking technique where the typical process is reversed to generate new ideas by considering the opposite of conventional assumptions. Useful for fostering innovation and challenging existing assumptions in problem-solving.
The process of integrating knowledge into computer systems to solve complex problems, often used in AI development. Important for developing intelligent systems that can perform complex tasks and support decision-making in digital products.
Situation-Complication-Resolution (SCR) is a communication and problem-solving framework used to structure information clearly and logically. Crucial for effectively conveying complex ideas and solutions in business and design contexts.
A principle that suggests the simplest explanation is often the correct one, favoring solutions that make the fewest assumptions. Crucial for problem-solving and designing straightforward, efficient solutions.
The process of defining and creating algorithms to solve problems and perform tasks efficiently. Fundamental for software development and creating efficient solutions.
The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment. Essential for making informed and rational design decisions.
A cognitive process used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions, often contrasted with convergent thinking. Essential for fostering creativity and innovation in problem-solving and design.
A problem-solving method that explores all possible solutions by examining the structure and relationships of different variables. Useful for generating innovative design solutions and exploring a wide range of possibilities in digital product development.
The study of mental processes such as perception, memory, reasoning, and problem-solving. Important for designing interfaces that align with how users process information and make decisions.
A skill set that combines deep knowledge in a single area (the vertical stroke) with a broad understanding across multiple disciplines (the horizontal stroke). Valuable for fostering versatility and collaboration within teams, enhancing problem-solving and innovation.
A mode of thinking, derived from Dual Process Theory, that is slow, deliberate, and analytical, requiring more cognitive effort and conscious reasoning. Crucial for designing complex tasks and interfaces that require thoughtful decision-making and problem-solving, ensuring they are clear and logical for users.
A structured routine for continuous improvement based on a scientific approach to problem-solving and process optimization. Crucial for fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within product design teams.
A design philosophy that views constraints as opportunities for creativity and innovation, rather than limitations. Crucial for fostering a mindset that turns limitations into design strengths.
Methods and techniques used to overcome mental blocks that hinder creative thinking and problem-solving. Crucial for maintaining productivity and fostering innovation in design.
A rule-of-thumb or shortcut that simplifies decision-making and problem-solving processes. Essential for designing user-friendly interfaces that facilitate quick and efficient decision-making.
A visual tool that maps out opportunities and the corresponding solutions, helping teams identify and prioritize where to focus their efforts. Crucial for strategic planning and ensuring alignment between problems and solutions.
Human-Centered Design (HCD) is an approach to problem-solving that involves the human perspective in all steps of the process. It ensures designs are user-friendly and meet actual user needs.
A tool used during brainstorming sessions to prompt and inspire creative thinking, often containing questions, scenarios, or constraints. Useful for facilitating structured ideation sessions and sparking new ideas.
The study of finding the best solution from a set of feasible solutions. Crucial for improving efficiency and performance in design and development processes.
A problem-solving method that involves asking "why" five times to identify the root cause of a problem. Useful for designers and product managers to uncover underlying issues and improve processes and solutions.
A design pattern that combines human and machine intelligence to enhance decision-making and problem-solving. Important for leveraging AI to support and amplify human capabilities.
A user-centered approach to problem-solving that involves empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing. Crucial for developing innovative and effective solutions that meet user needs.
A brainstorming technique that involves listing all possible attributes of a product or problem to generate new ideas and solutions. Useful for generating creative solutions and improving product features.
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) Goals are a framework for setting and achieving clear objectives. Essential for setting clear and actionable objectives in personal and professional contexts.
A creative problem-solving technique that uses metaphors to generate ideas and solutions. Crucial for stimulating creative thinking and generating innovative ideas.
A brainstorming technique where participants draw their ideas instead of writing them down. Important for stimulating creative thinking and visual problem-solving.
Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive (MECE) is a problem-solving framework ensuring that categories are mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive, avoiding overlaps and gaps. Essential for structured thinking and comprehensive analysis in problem-solving.
The belief in one's ability to create change through creativity, often leading to more innovative and effective problem-solving. Essential for fostering a mindset of innovation and creativity in design.
An open-ended and creative approach to problem-solving or planning, often involving brainstorming and envisioning future possibilities without constraints. Useful for fostering innovation and creative thinking in strategic planning and ideation sessions.
The process of performing a series of seemingly unrelated and often tedious tasks that are necessary to solve a larger problem. Important for recognizing and managing the indirect tasks that contribute to achieving the main objectives in digital product design.
A holistic approach to analysis that focuses on the way that a system's constituent parts interrelate and how systems work over time and within the context of larger systems. Essential for solving complex problems and designing systems that account for interdependencies and dynamics.
A cross-functional team that is given the autonomy, resources, and authority to make decisions and take ownership of the product's success, focusing on solving user problems and achieving business outcomes. Important for fostering innovation, accountability, and agility, leading to more effective product development and higher user satisfaction.
A cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in the way it is traditionally used. Important for designers to foster creative problem-solving and innovation.
The process of generating a broad set of ideas on a given topic, with no attempt to judge or evaluate them initially. Crucial for creative problem-solving and developing innovative solutions in product design and development.
A cross-functional team focused on solving customer problems and achieving business outcomes, with a strong emphasis on discovery, experimentation, and continuous improvement. Crucial for creating valuable and innovative products that meet user needs and drive business success through iterative development and close collaboration with stakeholders.
A strategic planning technique that uses visual maps to align activities with business goals and user needs. Essential for ensuring that development efforts are aligned with strategic objectives.
The ratio of interactive elements (links, buttons) to the number of goals on a landing page. Important for optimizing landing page design to improve conversion rates.
A strategy that focuses on identifying and addressing the specific problems or "pain points" of users in order to improve search engine rankings and attract more targeted traffic. Essential for creating content that directly addresses user needs and improves website visibility.
An event where developers, designers, and other stakeholders collaborate intensively on software projects, typically within a short timeframe. Important for fostering innovation, team collaboration, and rapid prototyping of new ideas in digital product development.
Jobs-To-Be-Done (JTBD) is a framework that focuses on understanding the tasks users are trying to accomplish with a product, emphasizing their goals and motivations over product features. Crucial for designing products that meet real user needs and motivations.
Narrative descriptions of how users might interact with a product or system to achieve specific goals, used to inform design and development. Important for understanding user needs and ensuring the design supports their tasks and goals.
The risk that the product being developed will not deliver sufficient value to the users, meaning it won't meet their needs or solve their problems. Critical for ensuring the product will be desirable and valuable to the users, which is essential for its success.
A strategic planning tool that focuses on outcomes and objectives rather than specific features, allowing for flexibility in achieving goals. Important for maintaining strategic focus and adaptability in product development.
A common solution to a recurring problem that is ineffective and counterproductive, often resulting in negative consequences. Important for recognizing and avoiding poor design practices and improving overall design quality.
A model by Don Norman outlining the cognitive steps users take when interacting with a system: goal formation, planning, specifying, performing, perceiving, interpreting, and comparing. Important for designing user-friendly and effective products by understanding and supporting user behavior at each stage.
An inference method used in AI and expert systems where reasoning starts from known facts and applies rules to derive new facts. Important for developing intelligent systems that can build knowledge and solve problems incrementally in digital products.
Objectives and Key Results (OKR) is a goal-setting framework for defining and tracking objectives and their outcomes. Essential for aligning organizational goals, improving focus and engagement, and driving measurable results across teams and individuals.
A planning method that starts with defining a desirable future and then works backwards to identify steps to achieve that future. Important for strategic planning and setting long-term goals in design and development.
The context and set of conditions surrounding a problem that needs to be solved. Essential for understanding the full scope of a problem and identifying potential solutions.
A clear, concise description of the issue(s) that need to be addressed, focusing on the specific challenge and its impact. Essential for guiding problem-solving efforts and ensuring a clear understanding of the issue at hand.