General Principles

Take time to explore your problem thoroughly before searching for solutions. Often, to understand your problem is to solve it.

Gather information. Do reconnaissance. Perceive your problem from as many different perspectives as you can think of.

Define your problem correctly. Otherwise, you may be wasting your time solving the wrong problem.

The range of questions you ask will define the scope and boundaries of your analysis.

Solve the problem that really exists. Not the symptoms of the problem; not the problem you already have a solution for; and not the problem someone else thinks you have.

Break your problem down into smaller parts. Look at solving each part separately.

Attack one problem at a time. If there are multiple problems, you must decide which one needs to be solved first.

The initial problem statement often reflects a bias towards a preconceived solution. Avoid self-fulfilling prophecies.

The formulation of your problem statement will determine the range of solutions available to you.

The illusion of knowledge can only be revealed by challenging what is known. "It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." - Mark Twain.

When the goal state is clear but the present state is ambiguous, try working backwards.

It's important not to stop searching for alternatives once you have found an “adequate” solution. A wide range of choices allows you to choose the best among many. A choice of one is not a choice.

Keep an open mind. Always defer your final judgment until you've completed your analysis.

A problem is not a punishment. Think of it as your contribution to making the world a better place.