Figuring out what to do

Problem solving, goal-first approach, working backwards


 * clarifying the problem and goal, separating them from the solution
 * detailing how things work
 * generating possible solutions
 * [then basically move on to decision-making and even evolutionary approach]

evolutionary, available options first, working forwards approach

decision-making, cost-benefit analysis

a word on the words used in this topic:


 * many are interchangeable in this abstract level, and the skills will still apply to all of them:
 * goal = problem = desire = ends = criteria ...
 * solution = plan = means = design ...
 * i like to say phrases like "figuring out" because it's accuracy is obvious for a lot more situations than other phrases like "problem solving"