Problem-Solving Tools as Methods for Managing the Information Content of Systems

Abstract

The time limitation sets one of the major obstacles for finding creative solutions. Reserves for expediting the productivity of unrestricted search are exhausted. Thus, knowledge should be engaged. Engaging specific knowledge is simple but does not provide creative solutions. Engaging general knowledge, despite difficult interpretation, helps to uncover blind spots. In general, the problem-solving process is considered as exploring the space of possibilities for defining one result. So, this is the process of compensation of Uncertainty. The Requisite Variety Law defines Information as of the only means for compensation of Uncertainty (Entropy). Most of the problems are solved by humans or nature engaging some entities (tools). Therefore, such entities contain information, helps to resolve problems. The development of tools can be described as improving the ability to store and transmit information. Thus, the simplification of tools is skipping excessive (unnecessary) information. For finding the ways for the improvement of tools, the equations of Shannon’s Information Theory can be analyzed. The ways defined, for the most part, match the TRIZ trends and principles and some techniques of other experience-based methods, such as SIT, Lean, Axiomatic Design. This gives hope for the creation of the formal theory for the area, which can be defined as ‘Solving Problems by improving tools.’ The theoretical explanation is one of the crucial parts of the scientific justification of methods. Without scientific validation, creative problem-solving tools are doomed to stagnation.