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The Nature of Problems - Part 6

There are, essentially, only two types of problems: analytical problems, which can be stated exactly and which can have only one correct answer; and creative problems, which can be stated many different ways and can have an unlimited number of correct answers. Here are two examples of how the same basic problems can be treated both analytically and creatively:

Suppose we were to give a design group the problem of mak­ing a better toaster for bread. This would be an analytical prob­lem, calling, as it does, for an analysis of existing toasters to determine their shortcomings, and a routine substitution of parts, materials, shapes, etc. in order to come up with a more efficient and streamlined product. But it would probably still be quite similar to other mechanical toasters now on the market.

To turn this into a creative problem, we would ask the question in some such way as this: What are some ways in which we can brown and dehydrate bread? Now we have opened the possibili­ties to many different solutions. Our designers would be free to look at different types of heat treatments; to consider radiation or irradiation devices; to think about a special knife that might be coated with a material that would toast the bread in the act of cutting it. They might turn to chemistry and come up with a special butter that would "brown and dehydrate bread" when it was spread on it. The possibilities are almost endless. Not all of them would work or be practical. But only by taking the creative approach could we free our designers to break away from tradi­tional concepts of toasting bread.

Or consider the problem of making a better oil filter. Stated this way, it is an analytical problem with a limited approach and a limited number of solutions. But look for a better way of keep­ing oil clean, and you have opened up creative possibilities that could even result in someone asking, "Do we need oil at all?"

Undoubtedly much more study has been made of analysis and analytical problems in the past than of creative problems. And most persons tend to handle the majority of their day-to-day problems in an analytical manner. Therefore, we will not dwell on this type of problem at any great length in this book, but will confine ourselves to the more creative problems and approaches to their solutions. It is, however, necessary to set up some guide-posts to help you decide when you can take the creative approach and when you will find the analytical preferable. These are only guides and should not be taken as rules or formulas.

Related terms include software for small businesses and small business valuation.