The Case of Brian Eno's Creative Breakthrough

An illustrative example of parallel thinking in practice is Brian Eno's experience while composing the Windows 95 startup sound. In an interview, Eno described how he was struggling creatively until he was presented with a specific challenge. The agency requested a short piece of music that had to be "inspiring, universal, optimistic," and only 3.25 seconds long. This whimsical constraint led him to create 84 different musical snippets, breaking through his creative block and allowing him to return to longer compositions with a fresh perspective.

Musicians often utilize a similar approach in their creative processes, generating multiple songs before selecting the best for their albums.

Understanding Parallel Thinking

Edward de Bono states that the desire to always be right can hinder the generation of new ideas. Parallel thinking fosters creativity by encouraging the simultaneous exploration of numerous concepts, enabling a broader perspective on problem-solving.

In a group context, parallel thinking helps avoid the pitfalls of adversarial debates, which typically focus on validating or refuting opposing viewpoints. Instead, it promotes a collaborative environment where diverse ideas can flourish.

For developers, leveraging parallel thinking can lead to innovative designs that draw upon a variety of skills and experiences. Generating multiple titles for a blog post, for example, allows for a more comprehensive exploration of ideas.

Applying Parallel Thinking in Software Development

In software development, the strength of a team often derives from its diverse skill sets and experiences. Each member brings a unique perspective to a problem, resulting in a variety of potential solutions. While teams may often rely on previous solutions due to familiarity and past successes, this can sometimes hinder their ability to adapt to new challenges in the ever-evolving technological landscape.

#### Requirements Gathering

While not the classic approach to parallel thinking, having multiple team members analyze the same set of requirements can yield valuable insights. Different developers may focus on various aspects, such as functionality, security, and integration with existing systems. Testers, in particular, are adept at identifying missing requirements by considering how they can be tested.

#### Debugging

Effective debugging requires a blend of knowledge and diverse hypotheses regarding the bug's origin. By systematically ruling out potential causes, developers can converge on the actual issue. This process mirrors Thomas Edison’s famous approach of learning from numerous failed attempts before achieving success.

#### Code Design

In the realm of coding, the pursuit of perfection can lead to unnecessary stress. While no code can be flawless, elegant solutions that fulfill requirements without excess are often the most effective. Embracing parallel thinking in design involves exploring various patterns and methodologies, weighing their pros and cons before committing to one.

The Value of Parallel Design

Design thinking encourages the creation of multiple prototypes, facilitating feedback and iterative improvement before finalizing a design. This approach allows for the exploration of numerous ideas, which may lead to more innovative solutions beyond the conventional.

It's essential to recognize that early ideas may be derivative or familiar, often stemming from past experiences. However, to discover truly creative solutions, one must push beyond the obvious and explore unconventional concepts.

Engaging in parallel thinking can be challenging, yet it often leads to richer discussions with fellow developers. By viewing ideas as having strengths and weaknesses rather than being strictly right or wrong, teams can foster a more collaborative and open-minded environment.

Parallel Thinking in Interviews

The concept of parallel thinking also applies to interviews, particularly in software development contexts. By asking candidates to recount their experiences with challenges, interviewers can gain deeper insights into their problem-solving abilities. Questions like "Can you describe a difficult challenge you faced on a software project?" prompt candidates to share their genuine experiences rather than rehearsed responses.

This method may reveal how a candidate truly contributed to a project, illuminating their thought processes and problem-solving skills.

Conclusion

The conventional approach to idea generation often involves selecting the first viable solution, which can stifle creativity and limit potential. In contrast, parallel thinking encourages the exploration of numerous concepts before determining the best course of action. By fostering a mindset that values diverse ideas, developers can enhance their problem-solving capabilities and produce more innovative solutions.

Additional Reading

• First Principles Thinking in Software Development
• Before You Remove or Change Code, Think of Chesterton’s Fence
• Software Development Mental Models