Does anybody else write out there problems to help them find solutions? It is a trick I picked up while working on the Zoia, before I really started learning modular. I cannot remember if somebody suggested that as a particular method, but I noticed that with documentation of Zoia patches, writing things out helped to refocus if your patch does not work out the way you want it to. Or more specifically, if you get stuck and nothing really works. Maybe I found it helps me after posting questions in forums.
2 Likes
Writing things out is how I make sense of what I’m thinking. This was true in my work life, and remains true in my creative life. The end result is often of only minor use to me once I’ve written it; the value is almost entirely in the ordering of my jumble of notions into a coherent form.
When I’m stuck on something, the fastest path to forward is writing it out. I struggle to recall that at times, but it works.
5 Likes
When working on a new piece of software (rack plugin or anything else), I often start with the documentation. If I can explain it sensibly, then I know the design is on the right track. If the writing becomes esoteric or obtuse, I know I need to rethink what I had in mind.
Sometimes I’ll begin by drawing pictures. I was a painting major before I studied computer science, so I learned to work things out visually.
Sometimes when stuck, it’s just time to sleep on it. Solutions then magically appear while in the shower next morning.
3 Likes
If you count in mind maps and concept maps, they’ve been tremendously helpful to me for many years in thought organization, decision making and strategic considerations.
2 Likes
I don’t write stuff down in the traditional sense; but I use mind maps like @Alphagem-X; I also use flow charts, block diagrams and spreadsheets to “pretest” math; also, like @pachde mentions, the morning after shower can prove invaluable to me.
3 Likes
@playinmyblues Thanks for posting this! It’s a good reminder for myself what helps me to get unstuck.
Connected to VCV:
A lot of times what helps me is starting to write a post here in the forum. Which I then never post, because I find the solution or at least another approach while formulating my question 
Also: for me it’s not the shower but going to bed where suddenly my brain get’s new ideas. If I don’t write things down at that moment though, the idea is either gone or unclear the next morning.
But I love the moment when my brain points the finger on the solution without me being involved. But then I’m in bed and want to sleep …
I never tried out mind maps or flow charts and such things. Might be helpful to give it a try next time.
3 Likes