How to Move from Analysis Paralysis to Workable Solutions
What is analysis paralysis?
Whatever industry you work in, you’ve likely experienced the stuttering stall that is analysis paralysis. Like a mouse on a wheel, you may be spending an inordinate amount of time, energy and resources trying to do the impossible. Or, because you are so focused on having all the answers before you can begin a project, the project never really gets off the ground.
Here’s the irony of analysis paralysis: as you expend untold amounts of energy trying to solve the problem, you may feel like you’re working harder than ever -- but overanalyzing is ultimately unproductive.
When designing for a large company with multiple factions (leadership, marketing, engineering, etc.) it’s easy to become paralyzed by a seemingly infinite number of expectations, limitations, and/or alternative solutions.
Let’s first acknowledge that each party contributes to this problem in different ways. Leadership sometimes steps in asking for something they believe is simple, but is in fact impossible given the context or other limitations. Engineers can occasionally box themselves in by avoiding novel solutions or approaching a problem with too much rigidity. And artists or designers are occasionally guilty of stubbornly pursuing an unorthodox idea, when a much simpler solution would be more effective.
How our studio approaches the problem
Our studio has plenty of experience working through analysis paralysis, particularly in the context of large companies. As contractors, we can bring a healthy dose of objectivity to an ailing process. We can critically evaluate each request: what is the intention behind it? The consumer may say they want a Rolls Royce seat in their jet, but is that what they’re really asking for? Do they simply want a larger, more ergonomic seat? The former is impossible, but the latter is doable. We could spin our wheels trying to make the impossible possible, or we could save ourselves the headache and simply clarify expectations.
Our design process also helps mitigate the risk of analysis paralysis because we are always making models, whether by photorealistic rendering, 3D printers, or foam insulation from your favorite hardware store. With inexpensive modeling techniques, we can quickly and efficiently problem solve.
How do you solve the problem of analysis paralysis right now?
Here are a few suggestions:
Shift perspectives. Engineers, take a few steps back and look at the problem from a consumer’s point of view. CEOs, consider what you’re really asking for and why before communicating an expectation to your engineers and designers. And fellow designers, respect the fact that your amazing idea may not be plausible.
Abstraction: If the team is facing a tough problem, consider solutions from other industries. Sometimes an out-of-context solution is actually viable.
Communication: Go back to the source (whether an engineer, artist or CEO) and ask the person to elaborate or clarify. If what they’re asking for really sucks, but they insist on it, do what they ask and offer an alternative. Sometimes they don’t know what they really want until they see it.