Resolving, solving and dissolving a problem

Most of the time, designers try to solve a problem. However, solving a problem is not the best method for dealing with it. There is an alternative. Here are the three strategies for dealing with a problem.

The Ohio Match Company had a problem back in the day. They were constantly sued because customers burned their hands when lighting a match.

When customers struck the abrasive on the front of the matchbook, the sparks ignited the other matches, resulting in an unanticipated fire and hand burn.

How do you address this or any other problem? There are just three options.

The first and least effective method is to resolve the problem.

Resolving a problem

Resolving is the process of extracting solutions from experience. It uses what has worked in the past to produce an acceptable outcome. It's a mental shortcut that takes what has previously worked and applies it repeatedly.

The Ohio Match Company issued caution labels instructing customers to close the flap before striking matches securely to avoid burning their hands. However, this had little effect.

Solving a problem

The second way is to solve a problem.