2024-12-20 · Judgment & knowledge

Pathfinding (Fit Check)

Sometimes when we don't know how to go forward in the solution space, we can use a counterintuitive technique. It can be easier to come up with three or more ways to do something instead of just one way. That's because when we make room for many options we can allow ourselves a bad option. Articulating what doesn't work can spark new and reframed ideas simply by contrast.

We like seeing edges in our ideas next to each other that are different. That helps to improve our thinking. Also, design is never about one thing, it is about many things.

In the possible paths *P x C* tool, the rows are the criteria (C), the columns are the paths/approaches (P), and the cells are the aspects (A). We also want to include a succinct description of the problem/decision being taken.

Example here: [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1IA_AJdzIuSW7h8peUoGeWoGGTJVIjQYFu3lDZCPzWVA/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1IA_AJdzIuSW7h8peUoGeWoGGTJVIjQYFu3lDZCPzWVA/edit?usp=sharing)

Template here: [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JN3w7E8f12TYmc836eXGvTY0UPrnuwFc3dVueBWcgtc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JN3w7E8f12TYmc836eXGvTY0UPrnuwFc3dVueBWcgtc/edit?usp=sharing)

Discussion

**Multiple Solutions (P × C Tool)**

**Key Idea:** Generate three or more solution paths and compare them across a set of criteria (Paths × Criteria) to expose trade-offs and spark fresh thinking.

- **Decomposition:**

- Splits the problem space into *criteria* (rows) and *possible solutions* (columns).
- Makes it easier to evaluate each solution’s strengths and weaknesses in smaller, comparable parts.
- **Abstraction:**

- Focuses on high-level “criteria” such as user value, cost, complexity, or feasibility rather than diving into detailed specs.
- Maintains a conceptual overview that helps avoid getting lost in too many specifics too early.
- **Pattern Recognition:**

- Seeing multiple approaches side by side highlights *recurring themes*—e.g., common shortfalls or repeated benefits.
- Identifies which criteria consistently prove most challenging or most beneficial across solutions.
- **Algorithm/Procedure:**

- Often involves a **scoring or selection** procedure (e.g., weighting criteria, ranking solutions via color coding).
- Provides a systematic method for making decisions on which path to pursue or refine further.