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This is really cool...
In the image below, a figure stands beneath a roof. The roof is supported by just 1 corner.
The problem: How would you strengthen the roof so you could rest a brick on top of it?
To make it a little more interesting, assume each brick you add costs $0.10
In the image below, a figure stands beneath a roof. The roof is supported by just 1 corner.
The problem: How would you strengthen the roof so you could rest a brick on top of it?
To make it a little more interesting, assume each brick you add costs $0.10
If you're like most (including me) you opted to add more support somewhere.
But there's a simpler way. Remove the existing support in the corner and let the roof rest on the structure.
Most of us solve by adding rather than subtracting, even if the latter is more efficient.
But there's a simpler way. Remove the existing support in the corner and let the roof rest on the structure.
Most of us solve by adding rather than subtracting, even if the latter is more efficient.
A new research paper in Nature highlights some fascinating findings.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00592-0
For example, when a university asked for ideas to better serve students/community, only 11% of responses involved removing existing rules or initiatives.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00592-0
For example, when a university asked for ideas to better serve students/community, only 11% of responses involved removing existing rules or initiatives.
It's not that we don't see the value in subtracting. Researchers found we literally don't even consider it. Especially when we're:
Not actively encouraged to think about subtraction *as well as* addition
Under heavy cognitive load.
Not actively encouraged to think about subtraction *as well as* addition Under heavy cognitive load.
There are other possible reasons too. People may...
Want to avoid seeming uncreative (group think)
Assume certain features exist for a reason (innertia)
Try to avoid wasting past efforts (sunk costs)
Want to avoid seeming uncreative (group think) Assume certain features exist for a reason (innertia) Try to avoid wasting past efforts (sunk costs)
This tendency to solve-by-adding is a problem in business.
It leads to over-stretched team resources, lots of rules and bureaucratic red tape, and (inevitably) products that suck.
It leads to over-stretched team resources, lots of rules and bureaucratic red tape, and (inevitably) products that suck.
What's interesting is that all these causes are cultural.
By simply encouraging your team to consider adding OR subtracting, you unlock a whole new range of more efficient solutions.
By simply encouraging your team to consider adding OR subtracting, you unlock a whole new range of more efficient solutions.
You can read the full write-up here: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00592-0
h/t to Tom Meyvis & Heeyoung Yoon for the great summary and added insights.
h/t to Tom Meyvis & Heeyoung Yoon for the great summary and added insights.
