apps to help with problem solving skills

The 6 Best Apps to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills

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Your ability to solve problems is a valuable skill you cannot do without if you want to succeed in your career, business, and life. While most people learn to solve problems primarily through exposure to challenging situations and having to find solutions almost immediately, others don't.

As such, not everyone is skilled at effective problem-solving. However, there is an easy way to improve your problem-solving skills using technology. Today, there are several fun ways to do so, including playing brain games on your mobile. Here are six game apps you can use to develop problem-solving skills while having fun.

1. Lumosity

Lumosity is a web app that helps you improve your mental skills. It is programmed with activities that help people improve their memory, flexibility, rate of processing information, and concentration levels. Thus, Lumosity is a great tool to help you develop problem-solving capabilities.

Lumosity was launched in 2007 and had over 70 million users as of January 2015. The app is available in English, French, Spanish, and German.

Download : Lumosity for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)

Happify is a company that works to enhance personal, organizational, and healthcare effectiveness by improving the emotional health of its users.

The Happify app incorporates scientific experiments into gaming activities designed to improve resilience and mindfulness and tackle health conditions like mood disorders, depression, anxiety, severe pain, and insomnia. Thus, it is a great healthcare software platform for improving your mental and physical conditions.

Download : Happify for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)

Launched by Elevate Labs in 2014, Elevate is a brain game app that focuses on improving its users' reading, writing, speaking, listening, and math skills. It is also one of the best android apps to help you solve math problems .

Seeing you already possess the skills mentioned above, you may wonder, is the Elevate brain training app worth your time ? The truth is, there is always room for improvement, hence, the need for you to keep developing these skills. And, as you pass each assessment in the training sessions, the difficulty level increases. This way, you can test whether your abilities are basic or strong.

Download : Elevate for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)

4. Neuronation

Neuronation is a cognitive training site and app that was made public in 2011. Since then, over 10 million people have used the app. The Neuronation app focuses on improving users' cognitive abilities, such as thinking, learning, understanding, and remembering, through its specialized training activities in the program.

Although native to Germany, the app is available in over eight languages, including English, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Turkish, and German. Additionally, the app enjoys widespread use, especially among German healthcare practitioners.

Download: Neuronation for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)

The Peak brain training app is designed to correct cognitive disorders with the help of short, interactive games. To get started on the Peak brain game app, you will be required to set goals on areas you want to improve, like mental processing, emotional strength, linguistic skills, recollection, concentration levels, and problem-solving.

Once you complete this stage, a virtual coach will be assigned to guide you through the program, and you will be given an assessment. Immediately after you finish each assessment, you will receive feedback based on your result.

You can start using the app for free with the basic version, but it has a limited number of daily exercises that are randomly selected. On the other hand, with the paid version, Peak Pro, you enjoy unlimited access to over 40+ exercises, alongside detailed feedback and personalized training sessions.

Download : Peak for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)

6. New York Times Crossword

The New York Times Crossword is a daily puzzle published by the renowned New York Times magazine on their website and mobile apps. The New York Times Crossword puzzle dates back to 1942. The first puzzle was published on Sunday, 15 February 1942.

Several freelance puzzle developers generate the puzzle. The puzzle gets tougher as each day goes by in a week, so the simplest puzzles are on Mondays, and the hardest are on Saturdays. Sunday's crossword puzzle is a 21×21 square matrix, whereas the daily crossword puzzle is a 15×15 square matrix. The crossword and other free puzzle games greatly improve critical thinking, learning, and reasoning abilities.

Download : New York Times Crossword for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)

Have Fun While Improving Your Problem-solving Skills

Developing cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, and problem-solving skills are no longer challenging. Thanks to these brain game apps, you can develop and improve your mental and emotional abilities more easily, faster, and while having fun.

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As humans, we face problems every day, ranging from the simple to the complex. From making decisions to analyzing data to finding solutions, problem-solving skills are essential for success in today’s world. Fortunately, there is an array of apps available in the market to help you improve your problem-solving skills. In this article, we will explore some of the best apps that can help you enhance your ability to solve problems creatively and efficiently.

1. Lumosity Lumosity is a popular app that offers a range of games and puzzles designed to improve your cognitive skills. Its goal is to help you improve memory, attention, speed, and problem-solving skills. The app uses a personalized approach to develop your brain’s abilities through a series of fun and challenging activities. With Lumosity, you can track your progress and compare your performance with other users.

2. Solve It Solve It is a problem-solving app that provides a range of challenges and puzzles to help you improve your problem-solving skills. It offers different levels of difficulty, enabling you to choose the level that suits your skill level. With this app, you can develop your reasoning skills and enhance your critical thinking abilities. Solve It challenges your mind with puzzles, riddles, and brainteasers, keeping it sharp and active.

3. TED TED is an app that offers a vast collection of talks from experts in various fields, including science, technology, psychology, and business. The talks offer insights and ideas that can help you develop your problem-solving skills. TED covers topics that can help you understand the world around you better, providing you with a new perspective that can help you tackle problems creatively. The talks vary in length, from 5 min to 20 min, making it easy for you to fit one into your schedule.

4. Elevate Elevate is an app that offers a variety of games designed to improve your critical thinking skills. The app provides personalized training to strengthen your cognitive abilities, including your memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. You can track your progress and performance and compare it to other users in the app’s community. Elevate offers daily challenges that keep you on your toes and help you improve your problem-solving skills over time.

5. Duolingo Duolingo is a language-learning app that can help you improve your problem-solving skills. Learning a language challenges your brain to think in a different way, helping you develop your cognitive flexibility and problem-solving abilities. Duolingo offers bite-sized lessons that are easy to fit into your daily schedule, making it the perfect app for those who want to improve their problem-solving skills while learning a new language.

In conclusion, problem-solving skills are essential for success in today’s world. These five apps can help you improve your problem-solving abilities creatively and efficiently. While each app offers a different approach, they all challenge your mind, keeping it sharp, and active. With these tools, you can take your problem-solving skills to the next level.

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Best Critical Thinking Apps: Enhance Your Cognitive Skills Today

In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world, critical thinking skills are more important than ever. With an abundance of information at our fingertips, it’s essential for individuals, particularly students, to develop the ability to analyze and evaluate information effectively. One way to hone these critical thinking skills is through the use of apps specifically designed to encourage deep thinking and problem-solving.

Key Takeaways

Overview of critical thinking apps.

In today’s technology-driven world, there is a growing need for tools that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Critical thinking apps are an excellent way to engage students in deep thinking, analysis, and reflection. These apps come in various formats and designs, catering to a wide range of age groups and subjects.

One popular category of critical thinking apps is mind mapping tools, such as MindNode and MindMeister . These platforms provide students with an interactive canvas to brainstorm and organize their thoughts on a particular topic. They encourage users to visualize connections, explore different perspectives, and generate innovative solutions.

Collaboration tools also play a significant role in fostering critical thinking skills. Apps such as Coggle offer online platforms for users to collaborate on mind maps and brainstorming sessions, creating a sense of community and shared learning experiences. These collaborative environments challenge students to evaluate others’ ideas, build off each other’s perspectives, and justified their thoughts and decisions.

Overall, critical thinking apps come in a variety of forms, each designed to engage users in different aspects of problem-solving, analytical thinking, and reflection. By integrating these apps into classroom or personal learning experiences, students can develop valuable cognitive skills and become better prepared to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.

Role of Apps in Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Apps designed for critical thinking development offer a variety of games and challenges that target different cognitive areas. For instance, Elevate is an app that focuses on improving cognitive skills like memory, comprehension, processing speed, and analytical thinking. These apps not only engage students in learning but also provide personalized training programs based on their goals and track their performance over time.

In conclusion, using apps as a supplement to traditional teaching methods can greatly benefit the development of critical thinking skills in students. These apps provide an engaging, interactive, and personalized learning experience, enabling students to actively participate in their own education and encouraging them to think critically in various situations.

Popular Critical Thinking Apps

Mind mapping apps like MindMeister, XMind, or Coggle are great tools for supporting critical thinking online. These apps enable users to create, share, and collaborate on mind maps, effectively organizing thoughts and enhancing cognitive processes.

Apps for Problem Solving

In the realm of problem-solving and critical thinking, there are several excellent apps designed to enhance these skills among students. These tools offer interactive platforms that encourage users to practice their problem-solving abilities while developing a better understanding of the processes involved.

One example is A Clockwork Brain , an app that tests a user’s memory, attention, language, reasoning, and dexterity through an assortment of games with increasing difficulty levels. By working quickly to solve problems, children experience a heightened development of their critical thinking skills.

Furthermore, Google Earth serves as a valuable problem-solving resource by offering users the ability to explore satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and 3D models of various locations around the world. By navigating through these complex images, users increase their understanding of the Earth’s geography and develop critical thinking skills related to spatial reasoning.

Memory Enhancement Apps

One of the most popular memory enhancement apps is Lumosity . Lumosity offers a variety of brain games that motivate users to think critically and respond quickly. Lumosity users have experienced improvements in working memory, short-term memory, processing speed, problem-solving, and overall cognitive function.

New York Times Crossword offers crossword fans a daily challenge of varying difficulty levels. Crosswords are known to stimulate vocabulary, memory, and problem-solving skills. By working through New York Times Crossword’s extensive archive, users can engage their critical thinking skills and improve their use of language.

Productivity Apps for Students

Google Calendar is one of the top productivity apps recommended for students. It enables them to plan their days efficiently, set reminders for assignments, and synchronize their schedule across devices. This calendar app helps students stay organized, which is crucial for achieving their academic goals. For more information, check this source .

When it comes to critical thinking and problem-solving, there are several apps that can help students sharpen these skills. Google Earth is one such app that allows users to explore the Earth’s surface and navigate through detailed satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and 3D models. This app encourages students to think critically about geographical locations and helps them understand complex global issues.

In summary, there are many productivity apps available for students that cater to their individual needs and help them develop effective strategies for academic success. By leveraging technology, students can stay focused, manage their time efficiently, and enhance their critical thinking skills. Ultimately, these apps contribute to better performance and a more fulfilling educational experience.

Critical Reading and Comprehension Apps

For younger learners, the Rainbow Sentences app is designed for students in grades K-5 and focuses on sentence fluency source . The app color-codes the who, what, where, why, and when of each sentence, emphasizing word function to improve students’ understanding of text structure.

Lastly, Phonics Genius is an app that helps struggling readers to practice specific digraphs and trigraphs by offering 6,000 words containing patterns of phoneme blends source . As students improve their decoding skills, their comprehension and critical thinking abilities will subsequently develop.

Apps for Analyzing and Evaluating Information

One of the popular critical thinking apps is Elevate . This app offers a variety of games and challenges spanning various areas such as memory, comprehension, processing speed, and analytical thinking. Personalized training programs are designed according to user goals and performance tracking is provided.

Another innovative way to develop critical thinking is through mind mapping apps like MindMeister , XMind, or Coggle. These platforms allow users to create, share, and collaborate on mind maps online, boosting their ability to organize and analyze information effectively.

Critical Thinking Apps for STEM Students

Thinkrolls 2 is an app recommended for students aged 4-9 years. It guides kids through a vertical maze with objects moving around them, encouraging critical thinking and learning through trial and error. This app can develop a foundational understanding of problem-solving and can be helpful for younger STEM students who are learning physics concepts.

These critical thinking apps provide STEM students with opportunities to enhance their problem-solving skills, engage with physics and models exploration, and develop a strong foundation for their academic and personal growth.

Mind Mapping and Brainstorming Apps

Another noteworthy app is Miro , which has been recognized by ZDNet as one of the best mind mapping software in 2022 . Miro’s extensive functionalities allow users to gather and arrange ideas in a visually coherent manner. Moreover, it supports a wide range of integrations, enabling seamless communication and collaboration between team members.

Role of Social Media in Critical Thinking

The impact of social media on critical thinking cannot be understated. In today’s digitally connected world, social media platforms have become hubs for discussion, debate, and the dissemination of information. It is essential for users to approach these contemporary communication channels with a critical mindset.

A significant challenge in applying critical thinking skills on social media arises from the sheer volume and speed of information. Users must learn to selectively focus their attention on topics that matter and avoid getting lost in a sea of sensationalized headlines and clickbait content. Moreover, understanding how algorithms shape the content users see is essential, as it’ll help individuals identify potential biases in the information they receive.

Apps Enhancing Language Skills

Another app that aids in developing language skills is A Clockwork Brain . This app features games in categories like memory, attention, language, reasoning, and dexterity. Critical thinking is strengthened as children work quickly to solve problems before moving on to more challenging puzzles.

In conclusion, incorporating these apps into one’s learning routine can greatly enhance language skills and critical thinking abilities. Whether it’s through games, puzzles, or mind mapping, these tools provide the necessary resources for users to sharpen their language skills and become more confident, knowledgeable, and analytical thinkers.

Use of Visual Resources in Apps

Presentations, another type of visual resource, are also frequently employed in these apps. They often utilize slides, images, and animations to provide a structured approach to learning new concepts. By conveying relevant information in a clear and organized manner, presentations enable users to better understand and retain the material. In addition, interactive presentations are utilized in digital education tools for critical thinking development, incorporating discussions, brainstorming, and project-based learning.

Gamification and Critical Thinking

Incorporating gamification in learning platforms has proven to be beneficial for developing various cognitive skills, including critical thinking. Games like Civilization VI provide an engaging and interactive experience that challenges players to analyze patterns, sequences, and make strategic decisions in building their own civilization.

Lastly, it’s essential to create games that encompass diverse cultures and civilizations because they can positively influence critical thinking. Exploring different worldviews, histories, and stories in gamified learning environments can encourage learners to evaluate and question information, thus fostering critical thinking skills. For instance, Civilization VI offers a comprehensive and immersive experience that enables players to analyze various societal and cultural aspects in different eras and regions.

Tools for Teachers: Rubrics and Categories

One helpful tool for creating rubrics is Quick Rubric , which allows teachers to build custom rubrics from scratch. Quick Rubric makes it easy to save, print, and share rubrics with others, while also providing resources to help educators understand the pedagogic strength of rubrics.

Elevate is a widely known app that supports critical thinking development, offering a personalized training program to improve various cognitive skills. This app has received positive feedback and reviews from millions of users, making it a top choice for those looking to enhance their critical thinking abilities.

In conclusion, critical thinking skills are essential in today’s world, and various apps, such as Elevate, Lumosity, and MindNode, are available to support their development. Users can choose an app that best aligns with their preferences and learning styles to unlock their full cognitive potential.

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25 Critical Thinking Apps For Extended Student Learning

Critical thinking is widely misunderstood. Apps that promote it can be hard to find. Here are 25 critical thinking apps to get you started.

What Are The Best Critical Thinking Apps For Extended Student Learning?

by TeachThought Staff

This post may contain affiliate links. You can read more about affiliate policy here.

Critical thinking apps aren’t the sweet spot of mobile app design.

Most of the more popular apps are focused on social media, productivity, or what always seem to be mindless games. The fact that most apps  don’t  force users to think critically doesn’t mean that it isn’t possible, however. The lack of cognitively demanding apps is more of an indictment of the users than the technology itself.

There are many apps that do promote critical thinking–and often extended critical thinking and learning at that. These aren’t clinical ‘critical thinking building’ programs either, but rather often enjoyable exercises in strategy, tactics, and problem-solving thought. So below, we’ve collected 25 of these critical thinking apps. Most are for grades 8-12, but several are for students as young as kindergarten.

See also What Is Critical Thinking?

Helping students think critically is less a matter of direct instruction, and more a matter of providing them with access to dynamic tools with unique and playful barriers or goals that require the best strategy they can muster, while providing instant feedback to the player as they go. Though they’re not learning specific academic content in most of these apps, they are practicing extended thinking over a period of time that encourages them to look at digital circumstances with a critical eye.

1. Google Earth

What is Google Earth?

Google Earth is a virtual globe and mapping software that allows users to explore the Earth’s surface and navigate through detailed satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and 3D models of various locations. It provides a comprehensive view of our planet, enabling users to zoom in on specific areas, search for specific addresses or landmarks, and obtain information about different geographical features.

Google Earth also offers features such as Street View, which provides immersive 360-degree street-level imagery, and Voyager, which offers curated interactive guided tours of fascinating places around the world. Whether used for educational purposes, travel planning, or simple curiosity, Google Earth serves as a powerful tool that brings the world to users’ fingertips, promoting exploration and a deeper understanding of our planet.

2. Blinkist

Blinkist is a digital platform that provides concise summaries of non-fiction books in the form of bite-sized content, allowing users to quickly grasp the key insights and main ideas of a wide range of books. With a vast library covering various genres such as self-help, business, science, and more, Blinkist seeks aims to make learning more accessible and time-efficient for people who want to stay informed and expand their knowledge but may not have the time to read entire books.

By condensing the main concepts, Blinkist allows users to get the essence of a book in just a few minutes, making it a popular choice for busy individuals seeking personal and professional growth.

3.  Elevate

Grade Levels:  8-12+

Developer Description

Elevate is another app that focuses on improving cognitive skills, including critical thinking. It offers a variety of games and challenges that target different areas, such as memory, comprehension, processing speed, and analytical thinking. Elevate also provides personalized training programs based on your goals and tracks your performance.

4.  Minecraft

Grade Levels:  K-12+

“Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles. Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs.”

5. Critical Thinking

6.  Civilization VI  (Note: For Mac, not iPad) (Note: Editor’s Choice award from TeachThought)

Grade Levels:  6-12+

“Originally created by legendary game designer Sid Meier, Civilization is a turn-based strategy game in which you attempt to build an empire to stand the test of time. Become Ruler of the World by establishing and leading a civilization from the Stone Age to the Information Age. Wage war, conduct diplomacy, advance your culture, and go head-to-head with history’s greatest leaders as you attempt to build the greatest civilization the world has ever known.”

7.  Brilliant

Developer Description8. Principles In Action

9.  Shakespeare In Bits: Romeo & Juliet

Grade Levels:  7-12+

“Understand and appreciate the linguistic richness of Shakespeare’s plays with the original play text, broken into easily digested ‘bits’. In-line translation helps you to understand difficult words and phrases within the context of the original play text.

Each title includes hours of high-resolution animation with a professional audio soundtrack, helping you to decode and comprehend Shakespeare’s fertile prose quickly and efficiently. The text, presented side-by-side with animated action, is easy to follow with portions of text being highlighted as they are spoken in the play. The integrated combination of text, audio and graphics is designed to facilitate learners of varying abilities and learning styles.”

10.  Literary Analysis Guide

“Literary Analysis Guide is a reference tool for students of literature, rhetoric, and writing. The elements of literature are arranged around three clickable interface wheels. Touch any term on the wheels for a detailed definition, examples from literature, questions to ask, and an example essay paragraph that analyzes that term. Students can also reference an illustrated version of each analysis paragraph which highlights the topic sentence, textual evidence, and analysis portions of text.”

11. SPEEDSim: Spatial Population Ecological and Epidemiological Dynamics Simulator

Grade Levels:  9-12+

“Spatial Population Ecological and Epidemiological Dynamics Simulator (SPEED Sim) is a tool that enables hands-on interactive exploration of the spatial dynamics of various computational models in population ecology and epidemiology. The app also provides several cellular automaton models as an introduction to these kinds of simulations.”

12. MasterClass

What Is MasterClass?

MasterClass is an online learning platform that offers in-depth video courses taught by renowned experts in various fields. It provides individuals with the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s most accomplished professionals, including celebrated actors, musicians, writers, athletes, chefs, and more. Each course consists of pre-recorded video lessons, typically divided into several chapters, where instructors share their knowledge, experiences, and techniques.

The classes seek to be well-produced, combining instructional content with personal anecdotes and demonstrations to create an immersive learning experience. With a diverse range of subjects available, MasterClass empowers learners to explore their passions, acquire new skills, and gain insights from industry icons.

13. Audible

Animate Me! 3D Animation For Kids 

Grade Levels:  3-12+

“Create 3D animations of cartoons in a simple and intuitive manner on your tablet or phone. If you’ve ever wondered how they bring characters to life in animation movies like Frozen or Toy Story, this app is for you. Kids can learn to make 3D animations that showcase their creativity and storytelling abilities.”

14.  Opposing Views

Grade Levels:  10-12+

“At Opposing Views, we report the news and let you debate it. We deliver the day’s most pressing, important and unbiased news. Instantly access news that will make you think, laugh…”

What is TED?

TED is an app that provides access to a vast library of TED Talks and presentations on various topics. Listening to TED Talks can stimulate critical thinking by exposing you to different perspectives, ideas, and arguments. The app allows you to explore talks on subjects like science, technology, psychology, and philosophy, encouraging you to think critically and engage with thought-provoking content.

16.  Neuriva Brain Gym

“Shake and tilt sugar molecules to set off chemical reactions and earn points! This game features a cast of protein characters based on real structures found inside our cells. Explore the structure and function of ten of the tiny proteins that break down sugar in the cell. In each level, tilt different sugars to their matching proteins, setting off chemical reactions and avoiding obstacles.”

17. TinkerBox HD – Autodesk Inc.

Grade Levels:

“If you can imagine it, you can build it with TinkerBox. TinkerBox is a fun, free-to-play physics puzzle game. While it is full of interesting science facts and teaches basic engineering concepts, TinkerBox is more than just educational! Take the tools in your hands to explore your creativity and imagination with Invent mode. Build outrageous machines, share them with your friends, or download popular inventions online. Stretch your brain through the devious Puzzle mode. Get immersed in physics-based puzzles and mechanical concepts, where your only hope for success is your creative problem solving.”

18.  SimCity BuildIt – Electronic Arts

“Solve real life challenges like traffic, fires, and pollution. Provide services like power plants and police departments to meet your citizens’ needs, and boost your population with parks and education. Keep traffic moving with grand avenues and streetcars. Complete fun challenges to shape your society.”

19. Artificial Life

“Oddly hypnotic and relaxing, Artificial Life is a simulation of the growth and evolution of microorganisms – basically artificial life forms. Initially, each organism is given a random set of rules governing its behavior. If the rules end up being useful for survival, the organism may live long enough to mate with another organism and pass its genetic code on to some offspring.

Over time, the organisms with the most useful behaviors will pass on their genetic code, leading to interesting patterns of behavior unfolding before your eyes – flocking behaviors, solitary predatory tactics, scavenging, and hiding are some examples – and all this behavior is evolving from total randomness.”

20.  Block Craft 3D : City Building Simulator

Basic Description

Like Minecraft, with a greater focus on crafting.

20.  The Sims

Build a life, make decisions, design homes, prioritize relationships, maintain personal health, focus on actions and decisions that promote health, happiness, and well-being.

For other “micro-life simulations,” consider:

21. Chaos Lab

22. LifeSim

23.  SimpleLife 

24.  Artificial Life

25.  Game Of Life

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Apps and Websites with Lots of Problem-Solving

Perseverance and grit are important character strengths that help kids develop the skills they need to tackle life's challenges. Help them practice sticking with things with these excellent (and educational) apps, games, and websites that encourage problem-solving. Kids will be inspired to brainstorm, make sense of clues, and try different solutions on their path to problem-solving fun. As apps that help kids cheat or solve problems with the click of a button rise in popularity, these tools will actually support kids' learning as kids try and try again while working through interesting challenges. For more social-emotional learning support, try these Games That Support Kindness and Compassion .

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Upbeat feline offers fun STEM exploration on- and offscreen.

Elmo Loves 123s

Kids learn numbers with beloved Muppets.

Hidden Pictures Puzzle Play

Fun, digital version of the beloved find-it magazine game.

Intro to Math, by Montessorium

Early math presented in varied and interesting ways.

Magic Math Academy

Learn math skills through instruction and story-based game.

Peep Ciencias: Rampas

Awesome tool to explore STEM concepts on- and offline.

SesameStreet.org

Brought to you by the letter "F" -- for fun.

Tami's Tower

Build a tower, test, and improve to help a hungry monkey.

DreamBox Learning Math

Online math games adjust in difficulty as you play.

Monkey Math School Sunshine

Early math game uses earning aquarium fish as incentive.

Montessori 1st Operations

Math concept work with clear instruction and fun rewards.

Adorable physics platformer creates little problem-solvers.

Thinkrolls: Kings & Queens

Fairy tales inspire fun, challenging puzzler.

Thinkrolls Play & Code

Delightful puzzles inspire innovation and problem-solving.

Arithmagic - Math Wizard Game

Spell-binding math game with increasing challenge.

BoxBoy! + BoxGirl!

Think outside the box with this charming, fun puzzler.

SHINE - Journey of Light

Capture the light in calm, unique runner.

Other great lists from our editors

• Great Games That Teach Strategy
• Games That Help Kids Think Critically
• Cool Tools to Help Kids Learn to Code
• 100+ Ways to Help Kids Learn Grit, Determination, and Resilience
• 7 Apps to Help Your Kid Be More Responsible

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The 10 Best Problem-Solving Software to Use in 2024

Engineering Team

May 13, 2024

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Do you want a solution to help your teams work well together, reduce friction, and speed up productivity?

The best problem-solving software has all the answers for you. Problem-solving software helps find bottlenecks, simplify workflows, and automate tasks to improve efficiency. The result? Communication is easy, and your team enjoys a collaborative work environment.

Problem-solving software gives you the right visualization tools and techniques to better articulate your ideas and concepts.

That’s not all; it also automates repetitive tasks while your team focuses on brainstorming and ideating. 

In this article, we’ll cover the best problem-solving software and highlight its various features, limitations, customer ratings, and pricing details to help you make an informed decision. 

What Should You Look For In Problem-Solving Software? 

1. clickup , 2. omnex systems , 5. meistertask, 6. teamwork, 10. airtable .

Businesses encounter many challenges, from operational inefficiencies and customer complaints to financial discrepancies. 

As your team slowly navigates through these issues, having problem-solving software with the right features will reduce the hassle. Before investing in one, consider some of these following factors:

• User-friendly interface: The software should have an intuitive and easy-to-use interface to minimize the learning curve for users
• Versatility: Look for software that addresses various problem types and complexities. It should be adaptable to different industries and scenarios
• Mind maps and Visualization features: Get yourself problem-solving software solutions that offers mind maps and other visual tricks. It must be a digital canvas for your team to brainstorm ideas, connect the dots, and execute strategies
• AI assistant: If your team is stuck with repetitive mundane tasks, then it’s time you let AI take over. With the right problem-solving tool comes in-built AI that handles  everyday tasks, leaving your team to focus on the important stuff
• Automation capabilities:  Look for problem-solving process that’s all about automation. This way, you ensure efficiency and effectiveness without the grunt work
• Goal tracking: Your efforts improve when you optimize your tracking process. You need goal monitoring and tracking features to ensure you are on track 
• Cost-effectiveness: Look for the features that various plans offer and compare them to choose an option that provides maximum features while the benefits justify the cost 

The 10 Best Problem Solving Software In 2024

While you have many options, select the one with the right features that suit your needs . 

Check out our list of the ten best problem-solving tools to ensure you have the features to solve complex issues effectively: 

Henry Ford once said that success takes care of itself if everyone moves forward together. ClickUp problem-solving software helps you succeed by ensuring all your team members are always on the same page. 

With its live collaboration, you can see if your teammates are looking at or editing documents. Also, edit documents together in real-time. Moreover, any changes on any device are updated instantly, so nobody falls behind. 

The whiteboard feature is super helpful in getting your team together for brainstorming and ideating. As problem-solving involves generating and evaluating multiple ideas, the whiteboard helps write, modify, and build ideas together. 

Now that you have brainstormed on core problems, you must establish a clear visual reference point for ongoing analysis. That’s where the ClickUp mind maps feature stands out. Create a hierarchical structure, with the main problem at the center and subtopics branching out.

Since these maps have interconnections, it is easy to visualize connections between different elements. This feature effectively identifies possible cause-and-effect relationships in a problem.

ClickUp best features 

• Documentation: Address and solve problems by storing and accessing project-related documents in ClickUp Docs
• Mind maps : Identify critical connections, uncover insights, and implement creative approaches by visually mapping relationships between concepts and information with ClickUp Mind Maps
• Task prioritization: Make problem-solving easier for your software developers—sort tasks by urgency. This helps your team focus on the most crucial aspects, making problem resolution more efficient 
• Virtual whiteboards: Enhance collaborative problem-solving and critical thinking through ClickUp Whiteboards . Brainstorm, visualize ideas, and collectively work towards solutions in an interactive setting 
• Goal monitoring: Set and monitor business metrics to address challenges, track progress, and ensure the software development team remains aligned with objectives 
• Custom access rights: Customizing access rights ensures that the right individuals have the necessary permissions to contribute to problem resolution 
• ClickUp AI: Use ClickUp AI to automate repetitive tasks, analyze data for insights, and enhance productivity in tackling complex problems 

ClickUp limitations 

• Learning curve is involved in fully grasping all features and capabilities

ClickUp pricing

• Free Forever Plan 
• Unlimited Plan: $7 per month per user
• Business Plan : $12 per month per user
• Business Plus Plan : $19 per month per user
• Enterprise Plan : custom pricing 
• ClickUp AI: $5 per Workspace on all paid plans

ClickUp ratings and reviews

• G2: 4.7/5 (2,000+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.7/5 (2,000+ reviews)

Omnex’s problem-solving software has many helpful features to track, manage, and solve problems quickly. It’s a one-stop shop for dealing with internal and external issues. 

The platform is also customer-centric, which responds to customers in their preferred formats. This ensures a tailored and user-friendly experience, further enhancing problem resolution through seamless interaction with stakeholders. 

Omnex best features 

• Define timelines and metrics for problem resolution 
• Leverage several problem-solving tools, such as 5Why, Is/Is Not, etc
• Respond to customers in various formats, including 8D, 7D, and PRR

Omnex limitations

• Initiating projects involves many steps
• Temporary delays may occur

Omnex pricing 

• Omnex has custom pricing plans 

Hive is another excellent platform to instruct your teams better while solving complex challenges and enhancing their problem-solving skills. It’s highly interactive and lets all your team members view what’s happening and express their opinions simultaneously. 

Collaborative work management helps you solve issues effectively. Hive is your virtual file cabinet where sharing documents with different teams and collaboratively working becomes more accessible. 

Hive best features

• User-friendly interface ensures seamless navigation
• Gantt view helps in mapping out project timelines
• Project hierarchies allow for easy task execution
• Kanban view allows you to understand progress better

Hive limitations 

• Being a relatively new tool, it needs frequent updates and additional features
• There are occasional bugs that slow down processes
• Locating notes from tasks and meetings is time-consuming
• Auto-generated reports are not always accurate
• Apart from ticketing, the platform needs some intuitive features

Hive pricing 

• Teams: $12 per month per user
• Enterprise: custom plans

Hive customer ratings

• G2: 4.6/5 (480+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.5/5 (190+ reviews)

Asana is a popular problem-solving tool that speeds up decision-making . It improves project management , and its many integrations are useful. The well-organized project documents make it easy to find what you need quickly.

It’s excellent for managing many small projects and suitable for teams without complex workflows or collaboration features.

Asana best features 

• The rules and workflow feature helps automate repeating activities
• Customizable workflows help teams adapt the tool to their unique needs
• For easy understanding, organize tasks as a list, calendar, timeline, Gantt chart, or Kanban board
• Integrate with popular tools and apps such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack, Zoom, Microsoft, etc. 

Asana limitations

• Inefficient for handling larger projects with sub-projects and multiple workstreams
• Limited capability to measure project deviations from original plans
• Lack of comprehensive workflows and customizable animations, a feature some competitors offer
• Pricing is less favorable for smaller teams; advanced features like custom fields, portfolios, and timeline views are only available in premium plans

Asana pricing 

• Personal (free)
• Starter: $10.99 per month per user
• Advanced: $24.99 per month per user 

Asana customer ratings 

• G2: 4.3/5 (9,520+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.5/5 (12,290+ reviews) 

Mesitertask is one of those problem-solving tools that offers strong kanban boards. These boards visualize the workflow and make it easier to identify bottlenecks and trace issues back to their source. Such visualizing features are similar to the ones found in the best root cause analysis tools . 

A customizable drag-and-drop feature further allows users to rearrange and prioritize tasks easily. Therefore, your team members will easily play around the field and segregate tasks effectively. 

Meistertask best features 

• Gain a visual representation of task timelines with a timeline view
• Streamline processes with automated workflows
• Easily categorize and prioritize tasks within sections 
• Monitor and analyze time spent on tasks for valuable insights

Meistertask limitations 

• Unnecessary negative space impacts task visibility
• Limited report and analytics features, not accessible offline
• Confusing registration process

Meistertask pricing

• Basic (free)
• Pro: $6.50 per month per user 
• Business: $12 per month per user 
• Enterprise: custom pricing 

Meister task ratings and reviews 

• G2: 4.6/5 (170+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.7/5 (1130+ reviews) 

Teamwork is another viable problem-solving software dealing with operational challenges. It provides a clear overview of task assignments, project profitability, and other essential details. 

When combined with effective brainstorming techniques , such a clear division of work will help you solve complex issues faster. 

Teamwork features 

• Get four distinct project views, including List, Table, Boards, and Gantt
• Efficient task management simplifies the process of creating and assigning tasks to users, enhancing team collaboration  
• The time tracking feature helps determine billable hours, aiding in project budgeting and resource allocation
• Standard communication features, such as commenting and mentioning coworkers, are seamlessly integrated, promoting practical collaboration 

Teamwork limitations 

• You need to subscribe to premium plans to unlock advanced features
• The user interface is intricate and poses a challenge for some users
• Certain features, like the reminder function, do not operate on mobile apps
• Continuous email notifications have the potential to disrupt focus, as not all updates or status changes are crucial

Teamwork Pricing 

• Free Forever
• Starter: $5.99 per month per user 
• Deliver: $9.99 per month per user
• Grow: $19.99 per month per user 
• Scale: custom pricing 

Teamwork Customer Ratings 

• G2: 4.4/5 (1,070+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.5/5 (830+ reviews)

Trello is another good option if you are searching for efficient problem-solving software. With powerful task management tools, it ensures you handle your issues efficiently. 

However, Trello’s communication and collaboration tools are not up to the mark compared to other problem-solving tools. Also, it relies heavily on integrations to do the heavy lifting.

Trello Features 

• Streamline your workflow effortlessly by arranging tasks with a simple drag-and-drop interface
• The project map feature gives a complete overview to help you visualize tasks, dependencies, and progress at a glance
• Focus on what matters the most and prioritize tasks effectively with its intuitive tools 
• Stay on top of your responsibilities with dynamic to-do lists

Trello Limitations 

• The free version imposes limitations on file attachments, a lack of advanced integrations, and automation
• Manually arranging Trello cards one by one is a time-consuming task
• There is a lack of functionality for creating a comprehensive dashboard or Gantt chart to provide a clear overview
• The absence of restrictions on card movement poses a security risk, with anyone accessing and potentially disrupting the board
• Trello becomes less practical when the board becomes densely populated with cards

Trello pricing 

• Standard: $5 per month per user 
• Premium: $10 per month per user 
• Enterprise: $17.50 per month per user 

Trello customer ratings 

• G2: 4.4/5 (13,000+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.5/5 (23,000+ reviews)

Wrike is one of the preferred project management collaboration tools that help businesses of all sizes. With preconfigured templates for tasks, workflows, and communication, it takes the burden off your shoulders. 

It also has a user-friendly dashboard with enterprise-grade tools to manage recurring and one-time projects. 

Wrike best features 

• Planning tools to outline tasks, set deadlines, and allocate resources
• A clear visual overview helps in identifying potential challenges
• Detailed reports to analyze project performance
• Helps efficiently address issues by prioritizing tasks

Wrike limitations 

• There are no options to view projects on the Kanban board (only tasks)
• Basic project management features are missing, such as time breaks for a task
• Pricing remains on the higher end

Wrike pricing 

• Professional variant: $9.80 per month per user 
• Business variant: $24.80 per month per user 

Wrike customer ratings 

• G2: 4.2/5 (3500+ reviews) 
• Capterra: 4.3/5 (2540+ reviews) 

Monday is a cloud-based open platform, allowing businesses to collaborate better on projects. Explore many pre-built templates or create one from scratch depending on what you need. 

Monday best features

• Streamline workflows by making bulk changes efficiently
• Plan and organize tasks effectively with powerful scheduling tools
• Keep a detailed record of project activities, providing transparency and aiding in tracking progress, which is critical for troubleshooting and resolving issues
• Gain valuable insights through customizable views and comprehensive reporting, facilitating data-driven decision-making

Monday limitations 

• There is a minimum team size of three required for paid plans 
• The free trial lasts only for 14 days
• Advanced features like time tracking are only available in premium plans 

Monday pricing 

• Basic: $8 per month per user 
• Standard: $10 per month per user 
• Pro: $16 per month per user 
• Enterprise: custom pricing

Monday customer ratings

• G2: 4.7/5 (9,570+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.6/5 (4,430+ reviews)

Airtable is a cloud-based collaboration platform that combines the simplicity of a spreadsheet with the complexity of a relational database.

It allows users to create and manage databases, spreadsheets, and other types of structured data in a flexible and user-friendly way. With its user-friendly interface,  you will quickly organize and track crucial information for problem-solving. 

Airtable best features

• Supports real-time collaboration 
• Attach files, images, and other multimedia directly to records
• Highlight and format cells based on specific conditions with conditional formatting
• Use pre-built templates for different use cases 

Airtable limitations

• While the interface is user-friendly, users unfamiliar with databases may find it initially complex
• For extremely large datasets or complex relationships, Airtable may face performance challenges
• As a cloud-based platform, it relies on an internet connection, and lack of connectivity may hinder problem-solving efforts

Airtable pricing 

• Team: $20 per month per user
• Business: $45 per month per user 

Airtable customer ratings

• G2: 4.6/5 (2,180+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.7/5 (1920+ reviews)

Solve Problems to Drive Successful Business Outcomes

It is best to invest in problem-solving software to ensure that problems do not bog down your team and that you have the tools to solve and focus on strategic work. Our list of the ten best problem-solving software should help you find the right fit for your organization. 

Thousands of businesses of all sizes choose ClickUp. With ClickUp, you get different tools to map your project, divide tasks, view the interdependence of tasks, allocate resources, and resolve bugs on time. Whether improving team productivity or identifying and squashing bugs, ClickUp does it all!  

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Nine essential problem solving tools: The ultimate guide to finding a solution

October 26, 2023 by MindManager Blog

Problem solving may unfold differently depending on the industry, or even the department you work in. However, most agree that before you can fix any issue, you need to be clear on what it is, why it’s happening, and what your ideal long-term solution will achieve.

Understanding both the nature and the cause of a problem is the only way to figure out which actions will help you resolve it.

Given that most problem-solving processes are part inspiration and part perspiration, you’ll be more successful if you can reach for a problem solving tool that facilitates collaboration, encourages creative thinking, and makes it easier to implement the fix you devise.

The problem solving tools include three unique categories: problem solving diagrams, problem solving mind maps, and problem solving software solutions.

They include:

• Fishbone diagrams
• Strategy maps
• Mental maps
• Concept maps
• Layered process audit software
• Charting software
• MindManager

In this article, we’ve put together a roundup of versatile problem solving tools and software to help you and your team map out and repair workplace issues as efficiently as possible.

Let’s get started!

Problem solving diagrams

Mapping your way out of a problem is the simplest way to see where you are, and where you need to end up.

Not only do visual problem maps let you plot the most efficient route from Point A (dysfunctional situation) to Point B (flawless process), problem mapping diagrams make it easier to see:

• The root cause of a dilemma.
• The steps, resources, and personnel associated with each possible solution.
• The least time-consuming, most cost-effective options.

A visual problem solving process help to solidify understanding. Furthermore, it’s a great way for you and your team to transform abstract ideas into a practical, reconstructive plan.

Here are three examples of common problem mapping diagrams you can try with your team:

1. Fishbone diagrams

Fishbone diagrams are a common problem solving tool so-named because, once complete, they resemble the skeleton of a fish.

With the possible root causes of an issue (the ribs) branching off from either side of a spine line attached to the head (the problem), dynamic fishbone diagrams let you:

• Lay out a related set of possible reasons for an existing problem
• Investigate each possibility by breaking it out into sub-causes
• See how contributing factors relate to one another

Fishbone diagrams are also known as cause and effect or Ishikawa diagrams.

2. Flowcharts

A flowchart is an easy-to-understand diagram with a variety of applications. But you can use it to outline and examine how the steps of a flawed process connect.

Made up of a few simple symbols linked with arrows indicating workflow direction, flowcharts clearly illustrate what happens at each stage of a process – and how each event impacts other events and decisions.

3. Strategy maps

Frequently used as a strategic planning tool, strategy maps also work well as problem mapping diagrams. Based on a hierarchal system, thoughts and ideas can be arranged on a single page to flesh out a potential resolution.

Once you’ve got a few tactics you feel are worth exploring as possible ways to overcome a challenge, a strategy map will help you establish the best route to your problem-solving goal.

Problem solving mind maps

Problem solving mind maps are especially valuable in visualization. Because they facilitate the brainstorming process that plays a key role in both root cause analysis and the identification of potential solutions, they help make problems more solvable.

Mind maps are diagrams that represent your thinking. Since many people struggle taking or working with hand-written or typed notes, mind maps were designed to let you lay out and structure your thoughts visually so you can play with ideas, concepts, and solutions the same way your brain does.

By starting with a single notion that branches out into greater detail, problem solving mind maps make it easy to:

• Explain unfamiliar problems or processes in less time
• Share and elaborate on novel ideas
• Achieve better group comprehension that can lead to more effective solutions

Mind maps are a valuable problem solving tool because they’re geared toward bringing out the flexible thinking that creative solutions require. Here are three types of problem solving mind maps you can use to facilitate the brainstorming process.

4. Mental maps

A mental map helps you get your thoughts about what might be causing a workplace issue out of your head and onto a shared digital space.

Because mental maps mirror the way our brains take in and analyze new information, using them to describe your theories visually will help you and your team work through and test those thought models.

5. Idea maps

Idea maps let you take advantage of a wide assortment of colors and images to lay down and organize your scattered thought process. Idea maps are ideal brainstorming tools because they allow you to present and explore ideas about the best way to solve a problem collaboratively, and with a shared sense of enthusiasm for outside-the-box thinking.

6. Concept maps

Concept maps are one of the best ways to shape your thoughts around a potential solution because they let you create interlinked, visual representations of intricate concepts.

By laying out your suggested problem-solving process digitally – and using lines to form and define relationship connections – your group will be able to see how each piece of the solution puzzle connects with another.

Problem solving software solutions

Problem solving software is the best way to take advantage of multiple problem solving tools in one platform. While some software programs are geared toward specific industries or processes – like manufacturing or customer relationship management, for example – others, like MindManager , are purpose-built to work across multiple trades, departments, and teams.

Here are three problem-solving software examples.

7. Layered process audit software

Layered process audits (LPAs) help companies oversee production processes and keep an eye on the cost and quality of the goods they create. Dedicated LPA software makes problem solving easier for manufacturers because it helps them see where costly leaks are occurring and allows all levels of management to get involved in repairing those leaks.

8. Charting software

Charting software comes in all shapes and sizes to fit a variety of business sectors. Pareto charts, for example, combine bar charts with line graphs so companies can compare different problems or contributing factors to determine their frequency, cost, and significance. Charting software is often used in marketing, where a variety of bar charts and X-Y axis diagrams make it possible to display and examine competitor profiles, customer segmentation, and sales trends.

9. MindManager

No matter where you work, or what your problem-solving role looks like, MindManager is a problem solving software that will make your team more productive in figuring out why a process, plan, or project isn’t working the way it should.

Once you know why an obstruction, shortfall, or difficulty exists, you can use MindManager’s wide range of brainstorming and problem mapping diagrams to:

• Find the most promising way to correct the situation
• Activate your chosen solution, and
• Conduct regular checks to make sure your repair work is sustainable

MindManager is the ultimate problem solving software.

Not only is it versatile enough to use as your go-to system for puzzling out all types of workplace problems, MindManager’s built-in forecasting tools, timeline charts, and warning indicators let you plan, implement, and monitor your solutions.

By allowing your group to work together more effectively to break down problems, uncover solutions, and rebuild processes and workflows, MindManager’s versatile collection of problem solving tools will help make everyone on your team a more efficient problem solver.

Download a free trial today to get started!

Ready to take the next step?

MindManager helps boost collaboration and productivity among remote and hybrid teams to achieve better results, faster.

Why choose MindManager?

MindManager® helps individuals, teams, and enterprises bring greater clarity and structure to plans, projects, and processes. It provides visual productivity tools and mind mapping software to help take you and your organization to where you want to be.

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3 Apps To Help Improve Problem Solving Skills

Are you looking to improve your problem-solving skills? Several apps can help you boost your cognitive abilities and tackle challenging tasks more effectively. Whether you're looking for apps that offer training exercises, facilitate collaboration, or provide a fun challenge, there's something out there to suit every need.

Here are just a few of the most popular apps to help you boost your problem-solving skills :

The 3 Best Apps to Improve Problem-Solving Skills

Elevate is the first app on our list, an award-winning brain training program that offers various exercises and games designed to improve your cognitive abilities. In addition, users can track their progress over time, allowing them to see how their problem-solving skills are improving.

Another popular choice is BrainHQ, a comprehensive brain training platform that includes memory, attention, speed, and navigation apps. Whether you're looking for solo or collaborative apps that allow you to compete against others, there are plenty of options out there to help you hone your problem-solving skills.

Finally, if you're looking for something fun and challenging, check out apps like Lumosity or Peak, which offer a variety of brain-boosting games and puzzles to keep you engaged. So whether you're looking to improve your memory, enhance your focus, or have fun while improving your problem-solving skills, there's an app out there that can help.

1 - Elevate

Elevate is a popular brain training app with various exercises and games designed to improve your cognitive abilities. With built-in progress tracking features, users can quickly see how their problem-solving skills are improving over time. Other key features include personalized daily workouts based on your skill level, performance metrics to track your progress, and adaptive difficulty levels that adapt to your performance as you improve.

Elevate is a popular brain training app that offers various exercises to improve cognitive skills such as memory, math, and reading comprehension.

The app is designed by cognitive scientists and contains over 35 games that target specific cognitive skills.

Elevate has been shown to improve cognitive skills in studies conducted by independent research organizations.

The app is accessible on the App Store and Google Play.

Elevate offers a premium subscription that gives users access to additional features, such as personalized workout plans and detailed performance tracking.

Elevate is one of the most popular brain training apps, with over 10 million downloads on the App Store and Google Play.

The app has been featured in numerous publications, including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Forbes.

Elevate has received awards from several organizations, including Apple and Google.

2 - BrainHQ

BrainHQ is another highly-rated app for improving problem-solving skills. This comprehensive brain training platform includes apps for memory, attention, speed, and navigation, offering a variety of challenges to suit every need. In addition, users can compete against others in collaborative apps or engage in solo training to boost their cognitive abilities.

BrainHQ is an app that is designed to improve problem-solving skills.

The app features various exercises designed to challenge the user and help them improve their problem-solving skills.

BrainHQ is one of the most highly rated apps for improving problem-solving skills, with a 4.8 out of 5-star rating on the App Store.

The app is free to download and use, with optional in-app purchases available for those who want to unlock additional features.

BrainHQ is available for both iOS and Android devices.

The app was developed by Posit Science, a leading provider of brain training exercises.

BrainHQ has been featured in several publications, including Time Magazine, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal.

3 - Lumosity

Lumosity is another popular option for those looking to improve their problem-solving skills fun and engaging. This app offers a variety of brain-boosting games and puzzles designed to increase your focus, memory, attention, and more. Regular use can enhance your cognitive abilities while having fun simultaneously.

Lumosity is a brain training program that neuroscientists created.

The program consists of games designed to improve cognitive skills.

Lumosity has been shown to improve memory, attention, flexibility, speed, and problem-solving skills.

The program can be used for free, or users can subscribe to the premium version to access more features.

Lumosity is available on multiple platforms, including the web, iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire.

Lumosity has over 85 million users from 180 countries.

Lumosity has been featured in multiple news outlets, including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Time Magazine.

Lumosity has a 4.5-star rating on the App Store and a 4-star rating on Google Play

So whether you're looking for apps that offer training exercises or provide a fun challenge, there's an app that can help you improve your problem-solving skills. So why wait? Download one of these apps today and get started on the path to more extraordinary cognitive ability!

Our problem-solving techniques course can also help you. Our experts will teach you the latest research-backed strategies and techniques for improving your problem-solving skills. So sign up today to get started!

What is problem-solving?

Problem-solving is identifying and solving challenges or obstacles to achieve the desired outcome. This can involve thinking creatively, evaluating possible solutions, and making decisions based on logic and data.

Why is it essential to improve your problem-solving skills?

Improving your problem-solving skills can have many benefits, including increased productivity, improved decision-making abilities, and enhanced ability to adapt to new situations. Additionally, strong problem-solving skills are essential for success in many fields, from business and leadership to science and technology.

How can you improve your problem-solving skills?

Some many strategies and techniques can be used to improve your problem-solving skills. Some of these include learning how to think critically, practicing mindfulness, using visualization techniques, and seeking out new experiences and challenges.

What apps are available for improving problem-solving skills?

There are many apps designed specifically to help you boost your problem-solving abilities. Some popular options include Lumosity, BrainHQ, Elevate, and HQ Trivia. These apps offer a range of games and puzzles designed to improve memory, attention, focus, speed, creativity, and more.

What other resources are available for those looking to improve their problem-solving skills?

In addition to apps and other digital resources, many other tools and strategies can help you improve your problem-solving skills. Some examples include online courses, workshops and seminars, coaching or mentorship programs, and peer support groups. No matter your chosen approach, many resources are available to help you on your journey toward more extraordinary problem-solving ability.

How can you stay motivated and continue working towards improving your problem-solving skills?

To stay motivated and progress towards better problem-solving abilities, it is essential to set goals, track your progress, celebrate small successes along the way, seek out feedback and input from others, and find strategies for dealing with setbacks or challenges. By staying focused on your end goal and maintaining a positive mindset, you can continue to progress and achieve more tremendous success in your problem-solving skills.

What are the key components of effective problem-solving strategies?

**Understanding the Problem** One of the key components of effective problem-solving strategies is understanding the problem at hand. This involves analyzing the problem's underlying causes, effects, and context. It is crucial to define the problem clearly and identify its purpose, to avoid confusion and ensure appropriate problem-solving approaches are utilized. **Generating Alternatives** The ability to generate alternative solutions is also crucial for effective problem-solving. Divergent thinking, which involves the exploration of multiple possible solutions, promotes adaptability and creativity when addressing complex problems. By considering various alternatives, decision-makers can evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each option against the problem's objectives and goals. **Evaluating and Selecting Solutions** Once a range of alternative solutions has been generated, effective problem-solving requires an objective evaluation and selection of the most suitable option. This may involve considering factors such as feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and the potential risks associated with each solution. Decision-makers may also implement a process of prioritization, weighing the pros and cons of each alternative to determine the most viable and effective solution. **Implementing and Monitoring the Chosen Solution** After selecting the most appropriate solution, it must be effectively implemented, requiring clear communication, coordination, and support from relevant stakeholders. This may necessitate allocating appropriate resources, identifying milestones, and establishing a timeline for the actions required to address the problem. Monitoring the implementation and assessing the outcomes against the problem's initial objectives are fundamental for ensuring success and making any necessary adjustments along the way. **Continuous Improvement and Learning** Lastly, learning from the outcomes of applied problem-solving strategies is an essential component for continuous improvement. By reflecting on the success or failure of a chosen solution, individuals and organizations can adapt their future problem-solving approaches, enhancing their skills in addressing similar challenges. This iterative learning process enables more effective problem-solving strategies and ultimately fosters a culture of continuous growth and development. In conclusion, effective problem-solving strategies involve understanding the problem, generating alternative solutions, evaluating and selecting the best solution, implementing and monitoring the chosen solution, and learning from the outcomes for continuous improvement. These components, when combined, promote adaptability, creativity, and the capacity for individuals and organizations to address complex issues with success.

How do different cognitive styles impact an individual's approach to problem-solving?

Cognitive Styles and Problem-Solving Strategies Cognitive styles, the ways in which individuals process and organize information, significantly affect an individual's approach to problem-solving. Two common cognitive styles are field-dependent and field-independent, which essentially describe whether or not an individual relies on external frameworks or their innate cognitive structures to make sense of information. Field-Dependent and Field-Independent Individuals Field-dependent individuals prefer to rely on external cues to process information. Consequently, they tend to seek external support and are more effective when working collaboratively in problem-solving situations. Due to their preference for social interactions and cooperation, field-dependent individuals often excel in environments that require teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills. In contrast, field-independent individuals rely on their internal cognitive structures to process information. These individuals are more analytical and objective, favoring personal autonomy in problem-solving situations. They prefer to work independently, focusing on the task at hand rather than seeking external assistance or collaboration. In situations requiring analytical thinking, abstraction, and independent decision-making, field-independent individuals thrive. Impact of Cognitive Style on Problem-Solving Methods The cognitive style of an individual not only determines their inclination towards collaborative or independent problem-solving, but also impacts the specific strategies employed to reach solutions. For instance, field-dependent individuals often excel in utilizing analogy and comparison, as they draw on familiar, external examples to make sense of new situations. This may involve using past experiences and knowledge to create similarities between seemingly unrelated topics or areas. On the other hand, field-independent individuals are more inclined to engage in hypothesis testing, involving the formulation and evaluation of possible solutions based on logical and analytical reasoning. They tend to approach problems systematically, breaking them down into manageable components and evaluating each potential solution in isolation before integrating them to reach a conclusion. Adapting Problem-Solving Approaches Understanding one's own cognitive style can be invaluable in developing adaptable problem-solving skills. For example, field-dependent individuals can benefit from focusing on developing their internal cognitive structures, enhancing their ability to solve problems independently. Similarly, field-independent individuals can improve collaboration and teamwork skills by seeking external cues and support when necessary. In conclusion, recognizing and capitalizing on an individual's cognitive style play a significant role in determining their approach to problem-solving. By cultivating an awareness of personal strengths and weaknesses, individuals can develop effective strategies to tackle various problem-solving situations, regardless of their innate cognitive preferences.

Can problem-solving skills be effectively taught and learned, and if so, what methods prove most successful?

Effectiveness of Teaching Problem-Solving Skills Undoubtedly, problem-solving skills can be effectively taught and learned, as these abilities are not inherent but develop through proper guidance and experiences. To achieve this, educators can employ various strategies that have proven to be successful in enhancing students' problem-solving abilities. Inquiry-Based Learning Approach A widely recognized method is the inquiry-based learning approach, wherein students are encouraged to explore problems, ask questions, and draw conclusions independently. This approach promotes active participation and hones their critical thinking abilities. Collaborative Learning Environment Creating a collaborative learning environment that emphasizes group work and teamwork facilitates the exchange of ideas and perspectives among students. This exchange strengthens their ability to analyze, evaluate, and solve problems together. Real-World Problem Scenarios Incorporating real-world problem scenarios into the curriculum allows students to apply their problem-solving skills in practical contexts. This approach enhances their understanding of the concepts and issues at hand while developing their ability to tackle real-life challenges. Teaching Metacognitive Strategies Educating students about metacognitive strategies, such as self-questioning, self-monitoring, and self-evaluation, empowers them to regulate their learning process efficiently. Developing metacognitive skills enables students to approach problem-solving tasks more systematically and effectively. Use of Technology and Educational Tools Integrating technology and educational tools into the learning process can serve as powerful aids in teaching problem-solving skills. Educational tools such as simulations, interactive software, and multimedia presentations help students visualize complex problems and explore various solutions effectively. Feedback and Reflection Providing students with constructive feedback on their problem-solving processes is crucial for their growth and development. Encouraging reflection on their strategies and outcomes helps students identify areas for improvement and refine their problem-solving abilities. In conclusion, problem-solving skills can be significantly enhanced through a combination of approaches, including inquiry-based learning, collaboration, practical applications, metacognitive strategies, and effective use of technology. Furthermore, continuous feedback and reflection are essential components of successful teaching methods. Implementing these strategies in the classroom can significantly improve students' problem-solving abilities, better preparing them to navigate real-world challenges throughout their lives.

What is the app that improves problem-solving skills?

App Enhancing Problem-Solving Abilities An app that significantly improves problem-solving skills is Lumosity. Developed by expert neuroscientists, Lumosity offers a variety of games and activities specifically designed to strengthen cognitive skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and memory. Cognitive Skill Training Lumosity's games target specific cognitive skills by offering a personalized training program tailored to individual needs. As users complete daily games, the app tracks their performance and adapts the program to provide a continuously challenging and engaging experience. Purposeful Design of Games Each game on Lumosity is carefully crafted to promote cognitive growth. For example, the game 'Eagle Eye' develops attention and flexibility by asking users to quickly spot and count the number of birds within an image. Another game, 'Train of Thought,' boosts problem-solving skills by challenging users to manipulate train tracks and deliver passengers to their correct stations. Scientific Validation Lumosity has conducted multiple studies to assess the effectiveness of their program. In a recent study of over 4,700 participants, they found that individuals who played Lumosity regularly over a 10-week period showed significant improvements in problem-solving, strategy development, and mental flexibility compared to a control group. User-Friendly Interface Lumosity's appealing and easy-to-use interface makes it accessible to users of all ages and skill levels. The app offers a simple menu, clear instructions, and engaging visuals, enabling individuals to focus on honing their problem-solving abilities without being hindered by technical distractions. In conclusion, Lumosity is an app that has been proven to enhance problem-solving skills through its personalized cognitive training programs and scientifically validated games. With an accessible and engaging design, it offers an enjoyable and effective way for users to strengthen important problem-solving capabilities.

What are the 3 basic problem-solving tools?

Analytical Frameworks One of the three basic problem-solving tools is analytical frameworks, which facilitate systematic analysis of complex issues. These frameworks, including methods such as SWOT analysis and PESTLE analysis, provide a structured approach for breaking down problems into smaller components and considering various aspects relevant to the problem. By employing an analytical framework, individuals or groups can better understand the core issues at hand and develop appropriate solutions. Creative Problem-Solving Techniques The second basic problem-solving tool is the application of creative problem-solving techniques. These techniques aim to generate novel, innovative solutions by encouraging free-flowing thoughts and ideas, challenging conventional wisdom, and embracing diverse perspectives. Some popular creative problem-solving techniques include brainstorming, mind mapping, and the six thinking hats method. Utilizing these approaches allows individuals and teams to explore unconventional ideas while addressing their problem, potentially leading to unprecedented and effective solutions. Decision-Making Models Finally, decision-making models serve as a critical tool in the problem-solving process. These models provide a systematic approach to evaluating alternative solutions and selecting the most appropriate ones based on defined criteria. Various decision-making models exist, such as the rational decision-making model, intuitive decision-making model, and multi-criteria decision analysis. Depending on the nature of the problem and the context in which it occurs, different decision-making models may be utilized to ensure that well-informed choices are made that effectively resolve the issue at hand. In conclusion, the three basic problem-solving tools – analytical frameworks, creative problem-solving techniques, and decision-making models – play an essential role in tackling complex problems by providing structure, fostering innovation, and guiding informed decision-making. By employing these tools in problem-solving efforts, individuals and teams increase their capacity to develop effective, well-rounded solutions to the challenges they face.

What are the 3 skills of problem-solving?

Analytical Skills Firstly, analytical skills are essential in problem-solving as they involve the ability to understand a problem thoroughly by breaking it down into smaller components. To do this, one needs to identify patterns, analyze data, and assess the relationships between different elements. Developing strong analytical skills allows individuals to dissect complex issues and identify potential solutions more effectively. Critical Thinking Secondly, critical thinking is a vital skill for successful problem-solving. It involves evaluating multiple solutions objectively, considering their pros and cons before making a decision. Additionally, it includes questioning assumptions, seeking diverse perspectives, and being open to new ideas. By cultivating critical thinking abilities, individuals can approach problems with a well-rounded and unbiased perspective, leading to more informed decisions and effective solutions. Creativity Lastly, creativity is a key component of problem-solving, particularly when dealing with unique or complex challenges. A creative mindset enables individuals to think outside the box, generate innovative ideas, and explore unconventional approaches to solving problems. This skill involves pushing beyond the boundaries of traditional methods, drawing inspiration from various fields, and experimenting with different strategies. Ultimately, creativity enhances problem-solving by providing diverse and novel solutions that may not be apparent through conventional methods.

What are the three foundational principles underlying effective problem-solving techniques?

Understanding the Core Principles The principles serving as the foundation for effective problem-solving techniques include identifying the problem, generating solutions, and evaluating and implementing solutions. Identifying the Problem Identification of a problem is the first principal technique in problem-solving. This step involves clearly recognizing and articulating a given issue. It includes an in-depth re-examination of assumptions, an understanding of the real problem at hand, and not simply the symptoms. Generating Solutions The next principle builds on the outcome of the first step; it is the generation of solutions. Once the problem is clearly defined, brainstorming potential solutions happens. It's important to avoid jumping too quickly into a solution, as it should not mediate immediate consequences but rather uncover root causes of the problem. Evaluating and Implementing Solutions The last foundational principle is evaluating and implementing the most effective solution. This process involves assessing each potential solution's pros and cons to choose the most effective one. Implementation after evaluation ensures that the chosen solution actually solves the original problem. In sum, effective problem-solving involves a philosophy that underscores a continuous process of defining, examining, generating, evaluating, and implementing solutions. These principles, based on their simplicity, position themselves as the core of solving any type of problem. Each step is mutually dependent and integral for the other steps to function effectively in the problem-solving process.

How does emotional intelligence influence problem-solving abilities?

Emotional Intelligence and Problem-Solving Abilities Understanding Emotional Intelligence Emotional intelligence (EI) involves recognizing, understanding, and managing our emotions. It consists of four key components: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Skilfully integrating these components improves problem-solving capabilities and contributes to sound decision-making. Emotional Intelligence and Decision-Making People with high EI often approach problems more effectively. They manage emotions that could cloud judgement or discolor perceptions of the problem. They maintain calm during stressful situations, facilitating focused, rational thinking. Self-Awareness and Problem-Solving The first step, self-awareness, allows recognizing and understanding personal emotions. When problem-solving, it helps us to assess if our emotions affect our judgement. Self-Management in Decision-Making Self-management controls emotional reactions to problems. This control helps maintaining a level-head in crisis situations, thus easing decision-making processes. Social Awareness and Group Problem-Solving The third aspect, social awareness, aids immensely in group problem-solving. It equips individuals to empathize and understand others' perspectives, promoting constructively negotiated solutions. Relationship Management for Constructive Outcomes Lastly, relationship management encourages effective communication. It streamlines collaborative problem-solving, leading to amiable solutions. This aspect is crucial during disagreements or conflicts. In summary, emotional intelligence significantly influences our problem-solving abilities. High emotional intelligence allows us to better manage our emotions, understand others, and facilitate more effective communication. All of these lead to improved decision-making and problem-solving abilities, underscoring the vital role of emotional intelligence in our everyday lives.

In what ways do cultural and social factors impact an individual's approach to problem-solving?

Influence of Cultural Background Cultural background significantly impacts an individual's problem-solving approach. Individuals from different cultures tend to use different cognitive styles, heavily shaped by culturally diverse experiences. For example, individuals from East Asian cultures often employ holistic strategies. They consider all elements of a problem, including context and relationships. In contrast, Western cultures typically promote analytic strategies. They isolate the problem and analyze it part by part, often overlooking contextual factors. Social Factors and Problem-Solving Social factors also contribute to the problem-solving process. Notably, social upbringing influences one's approach to resolving issues. Individuals raised in cooperative environments may adopt collective strategies, involving others in problem-solving. This approach promotes sharing, negotiation, and compromise. On the other hand, those from competitive environments may adopt independent strategies, working alone to solve problems. These strategies often emphasize self-reliance and personal achievement. Role of Education and Socio-Economic Status Education and socio-economic status equally significantly influence problem-solving approaches. Higher educational level equips individuals with more tools and techniques for problem-solving. Higher social status, on the other hand, possibly brings more resources and networks. Thus, individuals with higher education or socio-economic status may resort to more diverse and innovative strategies in problem-solving. Impact of Gender and Age Lastly, gender and age play essential roles in problem-solving. Men and women may approach problems differently due to the societal expectations and gender roles imbued in them. Similarly, age changes individuals' problem-solving approach, given that experience often breeds wisdom and patience. In conclusion, an individual's approach to problem-solving is multifaceted, stemming from an array of cultural and social factors. Considering these factors enables constructing a more comprehensive understanding of individual problem-solving behaviors and helps in the development of effective problem-solving strategies.

Yu Payne is an American professional who believes in personal growth. After studying The Art & Science of Transformational from Erickson College, she continuously seeks out new trainings to improve herself. She has been producing content for the IIENSTITU Blog since 2021. Her work has been featured on various platforms, including but not limited to: ThriveGlobal, TinyBuddha, and Addicted2Success. Yu aspires to help others reach their full potential and live their best lives.

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Problem-solving: Steps, strategies, and skills

By Alyssa Zacharias

Your team hits a bump in the road with a new client: They’d like to add extra objectives to the scope without changing the schedule. The mood grows tense as everyone frets about how to rearrange their calendars. 

One team member suggests breaking down the new scope into small, more manageable parts. One by one, you divide each deliverable into new tasks and prioritize them based on the team's calendar and resources. You push back non-urgent tasks and delegate others to different teams. Slowly, all the pieces start to fit together. What seemed like an impossible challenge is now a series of connected dots. The meeting wraps up with a clear and actionable solution, and everyone gets to work. 

This hypothetical scenario might sound too good to be true, but it’s well within your reach. It’s the perfect example of how establishing problem-solving steps can set your team up for success. Let’s explore how to prepare your team for the next project’s hurdles. 

What’s problem-solving? 

Problem-solving is a strategy-driven approach that uses logical thinking, creativity, and collaboration to analyze obstacles and build actionable solutions to overcome them. Life rarely goes exactly to plan, and problem-solving skills remove barriers that stop your team from reaching objectives when things go awry. 

You and your team’s ability to embrace different approaches to solving problems marks the difference between staying ahead or behind the curve. But problem-solving isn’t a single skill. Good problem-solvers pull from a list of soft skills, such as analytical thinking, flexibility, and curiosity — which are among the top 10 most sought-after job skills .  

Bringing problem-solvers onto the team is just the start. Nurturing a supportive environment that encourages teamwork, leadership, and the ability to make mistakes is essential for innovative solutions to serious roadblocks. After all, healthy work environments encourage out-of-the-box thinking and accountability that spawn effective solutions.

Problem-solving process: 6 key steps 

Problem-solving starts with carefully dissecting an issue, evaluating all its parts, and then brainstorming an action plan to rise above the challenge. Whether you’re working independently or collaborating with a big team, following a standard procedure can make the process more productive. 

Here are six steps to solve problems and get your project back on track: 

1. Define the problem

The first step might sound obvious, but figuring out how to solve a problem starts with a clear definition. No matter how big or small the issue is, laying it out as clearly as possible guides the rest of the process, pushing your brainstorming, collaboration, and solutions down the right path. Plus, a succinct definition can help you foresee potential project management risks and build a risk register to avoid more challenging situations in the future.  

You can start by asking yourself a few basic questions to understand the depth and scope of the issue: 

Who does this problem involve? Who’s equipped with the knowledge and skills to solve this problem? 

What’s the root cause? What other problems does it cause?

Where did this problem take place?

When did the problem start? When does it need a resolution?

Why does it impact workflows? Why do you need to solve this problem now?

Once you’ve dissected the issue, write it down. Putting pen to paper forces you to think through the obstacle, and the result can serve as a reference point as you work toward the solution. 

Be careful not to leave any room for ambiguity in your problem statement by identifying the specific situation and timing. Rather than “I don’t have enough time to complete a project,” write a definition like “I need to complete an important project within three days, but I have three other tasks due on the same day, which collectively require 20 hours of work.” A detailed problem statement provides a crystal clear picture of the problem, helping you be more productive during brainstorming and implementation.

2. Brainstorm possible solutions

With your clearly defined problem in hand, it’s time to get creative. Effective brainstorming focuses on quantity rather than quality. The intention is to build diverse options without overanalyzing them — that’ll come later. 

Brainstorm as many potential solutions as possible, no matter how quirky or out-of-the-box. Aim to generate a list of 10–15 possible paths and encourage your mind to wander, moving away from obvious solutions to potentially innovative ones. 

3. Consider all your alternatives

It may be tempting to immediately discard unfamiliar ideas and embrace others within your comfort zone. But as long as an idea directly addresses your problem, give it the benefit of the doubt. 

Map out every idea, including relevant details like costs, step-by-step process, time frames, and the people involved. If the idea doesn't align with your needs or resources, toss it. Order the remaining alternatives by preference and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages. 

4. Agree on a solution

With all the information in front of you, it’s time to decide on the best course of action. Narrow down all your choices, seeking out efficiency and practicality. For complex problems and solutions, managers and colleagues experienced in crisis management can offer valuable insights. 

5. Take action

After choosing the best solution, it’s time to implement it. Track progress throughout the entire process to avoid unexpected delays and unwelcome surprises. And consider using an issue tracker to analyze unexpected bumps in the road and learn from them — just be sure to leave room in the plan to adapt to challenges when necessary. 

6. Evaluate the outcome

Analyzing the success of your solution encourages learning from failures and promotes future success. Evaluate the effectiveness of the chosen solution and decide if a different course of action may be necessary. You might ask yourself some of the following questions: 

Was the problem solved within the expected timeframe?

Were any resources overused or wasted?

What was learned during the problem-solving process? 

Were there any communication breakdowns or conflicts? 

Will a policy or organizational change help prevent this problem from occurring in the future?

You may find you need to simplify the process even further. Using your insights, focus on the solution instead of the problem. Staying flexible and open-minded will help you rise to the next challenge. 

Problem-solving example

To understand how you can apply the problem-solving steps above, let’s look at a common problem for product, IT, and development teams: apps that crash when updates are rolled out. 

To clearly define the problem, the team collects user feedback and crash reports to pinpoint specific scenarios where the app fails. They discover that crashes most often occur on devices using old versions of the operating system. With this clear problem definition, they align on where to focus their efforts. 

Together, they brainstorm several solutions, including rolling back the update, creating a solution specifically for older operating systems, or rolling out a marketing campaign to convince users to update. 

After debating all the alternatives, they decide to develop a patch. Although it’s not the most time-effective solution, it won’t alienate users by rolling back features or forcing them to update. They might also take on extra initiatives along the way, like making the app less resource-intensive to run smoothly on more devices. 

Throughout the implementation, the team monitors feedback. Crash reports decrease significantly, and positive reviews increase. After achieving the desired outcome, the team performs regular diagnostics to spot room for improvement and prevent future mishaps.

4 problem-solving strategies

Learning different strategies to identify and solve problems empowers you to stay flexible and resilient, even in the most challenging circumstances. Here are four common problem-solving strategies to try out: 

Trial and error: There’s rarely a single “right” answer to your problem. A trial-and-error approach (or A/B testing) encourages your team to experiment with solutions and identify the best one. Of course, this is only productive if you have the necessary time and resources.

Working backward: Using your imagination, visualize your problem solved. Now, work backward, retracing each step to your current place. Involve team leaders in this process and share ideas until you have a solid plan of action.

Use an old solution: You don’t always have to reinvent the wheel. Think about how you’ve solved similar issues in the past. If one of your old solutions works, use it again. 

Draw it out: Visualizing every part of a problem isn’t always easy. Using fishbone diagrams, concept maps, or flowcharts ensures you make connections and account for every last detail. Plus, a diagram will make the roadblock easier to understand when you address it with the rest of the team. But don’t tackle this work alone — the more heads you involve, the more perspectives you can draw upon. Someone else at the table will likely think of something you missed.

Problem-solving skills

Effective problem-solving means drawing upon several soft skills in your tool belt. Here are ten of the most valuable skills for overcoming obstacles:

Critical thinking

Adaptability

Collaboration

Effective communication 

Active listening

Persistence

Decision-making

Solve your next problem with Notion

Whether big or small, incorporating time-tested problem-solving steps to overcome challenges will help your team overcome future barriers to success. Try different techniques, like SWOT Analysis , to adapt to the next challenging situation swiftly and effectively. 

You can assist your problem-solving efforts with Notion templates for support task lists and reporting bugs . Plus, you can — and should — use Notion’s issue tracker to monitor the action plan you choose to put in place.

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Struggling to overcome challenges in your life? We all face problems, big and small, on a regular basis.

So how do you tackle them effectively? What are some key problem-solving strategies and skills that can guide you?

Effective problem-solving requires breaking issues down logically, generating solutions creatively, weighing choices critically, and adapting plans flexibly based on outcomes. Useful strategies range from leveraging past solutions that have worked to visualizing problems through diagrams. Core skills include analytical abilities, innovative thinking, and collaboration.

Want to improve your problem-solving skills? Keep reading to find out 17 effective problem-solving strategies, key skills, common obstacles to watch for, and tips on improving your overall problem-solving skills.

Key Takeaways:

• Effective problem-solving requires breaking down issues logically, generating multiple solutions creatively, weighing choices critically, and adapting plans based on outcomes.
• Useful problem-solving strategies range from leveraging past solutions to brainstorming with groups to visualizing problems through diagrams and models.
• Core skills include analytical abilities, innovative thinking, decision-making, and team collaboration to solve problems.
• Common obstacles include fear of failure, information gaps, fixed mindsets, confirmation bias, and groupthink.
• Boosting problem-solving skills involves learning from experts, actively practicing, soliciting feedback, and analyzing others’ success.
• Onethread’s project management capabilities align with effective problem-solving tenets – facilitating structured solutions, tracking progress, and capturing lessons learned.

What Is Problem-Solving?

Problem-solving is the process of understanding an issue, situation, or challenge that needs to be addressed and then systematically working through possible solutions to arrive at the best outcome.

It involves critical thinking, analysis, logic, creativity, research, planning, reflection, and patience in order to overcome obstacles and find effective answers to complex questions or problems.

The ultimate goal is to implement the chosen solution successfully.

What Are Problem-Solving Strategies?

Problem-solving strategies are like frameworks or methodologies that help us solve tricky puzzles or problems we face in the workplace, at home, or with friends.

Imagine you have a big jigsaw puzzle. One strategy might be to start with the corner pieces. Another could be looking for pieces with the same colors. 

Just like in puzzles, in real life, we use different plans or steps to find solutions to problems. These strategies help us think clearly, make good choices, and find the best answers without getting too stressed or giving up.

Why Is It Important To Know Different Problem-Solving Strategies?

Knowing different problem-solving strategies is important because different types of problems often require different approaches to solve them effectively. Having a variety of strategies to choose from allows you to select the best method for the specific problem you are trying to solve.

This improves your ability to analyze issues thoroughly, develop solutions creatively, and tackle problems from multiple angles. Knowing multiple strategies also aids in overcoming roadblocks if your initial approach is not working.

Here are some reasons why you need to know different problem-solving strategies:

• Different Problems Require Different Tools: Just like you can’t use a hammer to fix everything, some problems need specific strategies to solve them.
• Improves Creativity: Knowing various strategies helps you think outside the box and come up with creative solutions.
• Saves Time: With the right strategy, you can solve problems faster instead of trying things that don’t work.
• Reduces Stress: When you know how to tackle a problem, it feels less scary and you feel more confident.
• Better Outcomes: Using the right strategy can lead to better solutions, making things work out better in the end.
• Learning and Growth: Each time you solve a problem, you learn something new, which makes you smarter and better at solving future problems.

Knowing different ways to solve problems helps you tackle anything that comes your way, making life a bit easier and more fun!

17 Effective Problem-Solving Strategies

Effective problem-solving strategies include breaking the problem into smaller parts, brainstorming multiple solutions, evaluating the pros and cons of each, and choosing the most viable option. 

Critical thinking and creativity are essential in developing innovative solutions. Collaboration with others can also provide diverse perspectives and ideas. 

By applying these strategies, you can tackle complex issues more effectively.

Now, consider a challenge you’re dealing with. Which strategy could help you find a solution? Here we will discuss key problem strategies in detail.

1. Use a Past Solution That Worked

This strategy involves looking back at previous similar problems you have faced and the solutions that were effective in solving them.

It is useful when you are facing a problem that is very similar to something you have already solved. The main benefit is that you don’t have to come up with a brand new solution – you already know the method that worked before will likely work again.

However, the limitation is that the current problem may have some unique aspects or differences that mean your old solution is not fully applicable.

The ideal process is to thoroughly analyze the new challenge, identify the key similarities and differences versus the past case, adapt the old solution as needed to align with the current context, and then pilot it carefully before full implementation.

An example is using the same negotiation tactics from purchasing your previous home when putting in an offer on a new house. Key terms would be adjusted but overall it can save significant time versus developing a brand new strategy.

2. Brainstorm Solutions

This involves gathering a group of people together to generate as many potential solutions to a problem as possible.

It is effective when you need creative ideas to solve a complex or challenging issue. By getting input from multiple people with diverse perspectives, you increase the likelihood of finding an innovative solution.

The main limitation is that brainstorming sessions can sometimes turn into unproductive gripe sessions or discussions rather than focusing on productive ideation —so they need to be properly facilitated.

The key to an effective brainstorming session is setting some basic ground rules upfront and having an experienced facilitator guide the discussion. Rules often include encouraging wild ideas, avoiding criticism of ideas during the ideation phase, and building on others’ ideas.

For instance, a struggling startup might hold a session where ideas for turnaround plans are generated and then formalized with financials and metrics.

3. Work Backward from the Solution

This technique involves envisioning that the problem has already been solved and then working step-by-step backward toward the current state.

This strategy is particularly helpful for long-term, multi-step problems. By starting from the imagined solution and identifying all the steps required to reach it, you can systematically determine the actions needed. It lets you tackle a big hairy problem through smaller, reversible steps.

A limitation is that this approach may not be possible if you cannot accurately envision the solution state to start with.

The approach helps drive logical systematic thinking for complex problem-solving, but should still be combined with creative brainstorming of alternative scenarios and solutions.

An example is planning for an event – you would imagine the successful event occurring, then determine the tasks needed the week before, two weeks before, etc. all the way back to the present.

4. Use the Kipling Method

This method, named after author Rudyard Kipling, provides a framework for thoroughly analyzing a problem before jumping into solutions.

It consists of answering six fundamental questions: What, Where, When, How, Who, and Why about the challenge. Clearly defining these core elements of the problem sets the stage for generating targeted solutions.

The Kipling method enables a deep understanding of problem parameters and root causes before solution identification. By jumping to brainstorm solutions too early, critical information can be missed or the problem is loosely defined, reducing solution quality.

Answering the six fundamental questions illuminates all angles of the issue. This takes time but pays dividends in generating optimal solutions later tuned precisely to the true underlying problem.

The limitation is that meticulously working through numerous questions before addressing solutions can slow progress.

The best approach blends structured problem decomposition techniques like the Kipling method with spurring innovative solution ideation from a diverse team. 

An example is using this technique after a technical process failure – the team would systematically detail What failed, Where/When did it fail, How it failed (sequence of events), Who was involved, and Why it likely failed before exploring preventative solutions.

5. Try Different Solutions Until One Works (Trial and Error)

This technique involves attempting various potential solutions sequentially until finding one that successfully solves the problem.

Trial and error works best when facing a concrete, bounded challenge with clear solution criteria and a small number of discrete options to try. By methodically testing solutions, you can determine the faulty component.

A limitation is that it can be time-intensive if the working solution set is large.

The key is limiting the variable set first. For technical problems, this boundary is inherent and each element can be iteratively tested. But for business issues, artificial constraints may be required – setting decision rules upfront to reduce options before testing.

Furthermore, hypothesis-driven experimentation is far superior to blind trial and error – have logic for why Option A may outperform Option B.

Examples include fixing printer jams by testing different paper tray and cable configurations or resolving website errors by tweaking CSS/HTML line-by-line until the code functions properly.

6. Use Proven Formulas or Frameworks (Heuristics)

Heuristics refers to applying existing problem-solving formulas or frameworks rather than addressing issues completely from scratch.

This allows leveraging established best practices rather than reinventing the wheel each time.

It is effective when facing recurrent, common challenges where proven structured approaches exist.

However, heuristics may force-fit solutions to non-standard problems.

For example, a cost-benefit analysis can be used instead of custom weighting schemes to analyze potential process improvements.

Onethread allows teams to define, save, and replicate configurable project templates so proven workflows can be reliably applied across problems with some consistency rather than fully custom one-off approaches each time.

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7. Trust Your Instincts (Insight Problem-Solving)

Insight is a problem-solving technique that involves waiting patiently for an unexpected “aha moment” when the solution pops into your mind.

It works well for personal challenges that require intuitive realizations over calculated logic. The unconscious mind makes connections leading to flashes of insight when relaxing or doing mundane tasks unrelated to the actual problem.

Benefits include out-of-the-box creative solutions. However, the limitations are that insights can’t be forced and may never come at all if too complex. Critical analysis is still required after initial insights.

A real-life example would be a writer struggling with how to end a novel. Despite extensive brainstorming, they feel stuck. Eventually while gardening one day, a perfect unexpected plot twist sparks an ideal conclusion. However, once written they still carefully review if the ending flows logically from the rest of the story.

8. Reverse Engineer the Problem

This approach involves deconstructing a problem in reverse sequential order from the current undesirable outcome back to the initial root causes.

By mapping the chain of events backward, you can identify the origin of where things went wrong and establish the critical junctures for solving it moving ahead. Reverse engineering provides diagnostic clarity on multi-step problems.

However, the limitation is that it focuses heavily on autopsying the past versus innovating improved future solutions.

An example is tracing back from a server outage, through the cascade of infrastructure failures that led to it finally terminating at the initial script error that triggered the crisis. This root cause would then inform the preventative measure.

9. Break Down Obstacles Between Current and Goal State (Means-End Analysis)

This technique defines the current problem state and the desired end goal state, then systematically identifies obstacles in the way of getting from one to the other.

By mapping the barriers or gaps, you can then develop solutions to address each one. This methodically connects the problem to solutions.

A limitation is that some obstacles may be unknown upfront and only emerge later.

For example, you can list down all the steps required for a new product launch – current state through production, marketing, sales, distribution, etc. to full launch (goal state) – to highlight where resource constraints or other blocks exist so they can be addressed.

Onethread allows dividing big-picture projects into discrete, manageable phases, milestones, and tasks to simplify execution just as problems can be decomposed into more achievable components. Features like dependency mapping further reinforce interconnections.

Using Onethread’s issues and subtasks feature, messy problems can be decomposed into manageable chunks.

10. Ask “Why” Five Times to Identify the Root Cause (The 5 Whys)

This technique involves asking “Why did this problem occur?” and then responding with an answer that is again met with asking “Why?” This process repeats five times until the root cause is revealed.

Continually asking why digs deeper from surface symptoms to underlying systemic issues.

It is effective for getting to the source of problems originating from human error or process breakdowns.

However, some complex issues may have multiple tangled root causes not solvable through this approach alone.

An example is a retail store experiencing a sudden decline in customers. Successively asking why five times may trace an initial drop to parking challenges, stemming from a city construction project – the true starting point to address.

11. Evaluate Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT Analysis)

This involves analyzing a problem or proposed solution by categorizing internal and external factors into a 2×2 matrix: Strengths, Weaknesses as the internal rows; Opportunities and Threats as the external columns.

Systematically identifying these elements provides balanced insight to evaluate options and risks. It is impactful when evaluating alternative solutions or developing strategy amid complexity or uncertainty.

The key benefit of SWOT analysis is enabling multi-dimensional thinking when rationally evaluating options. Rather than getting anchored on just the upsides or the existing way of operating, it urges a systematic assessment through four different lenses:

• Internal Strengths: Our core competencies/advantages able to deliver success
• Internal Weaknesses: Gaps/vulnerabilities we need to manage
• External Opportunities: Ways we can differentiate/drive additional value
• External Threats: Risks we must navigate or mitigate

Multiperspective analysis provides the needed holistic view of the balanced risk vs. reward equation for strategic decision making amid uncertainty.

However, SWOT can feel restrictive if not tailored and evolved for different issue types.

Teams should view SWOT analysis as a starting point, augmenting it further for distinct scenarios.

An example is performing a SWOT analysis on whether a small business should expand into a new market – evaluating internal capabilities to execute vs. risks in the external competitive and demand environment to inform the growth decision with eyes wide open.

12. Compare Current vs Expected Performance (Gap Analysis)

This technique involves comparing the current state of performance, output, or results to the desired or expected levels to highlight shortfalls.

By quantifying the gaps, you can identify problem areas and prioritize address solutions.

Gap analysis is based on the simple principle – “you can’t improve what you don’t measure.” It enables facts-driven problem diagnosis by highlighting delta to goals, not just vague dissatisfaction that something seems wrong. And measurement immediately suggests improvement opportunities – address the biggest gaps first.

This data orientation also supports ROI analysis on fixing issues – the return from closing larger gaps outweighs narrowly targeting smaller performance deficiencies.

However, the approach is only effective if robust standards and metrics exist as the benchmark to evaluate against. Organizations should invest upfront in establishing performance frameworks.

Furthermore, while numbers are invaluable, the human context behind problems should not be ignored – quantitative versus qualitative gap assessment is optimally blended.

For example, if usage declines are noted during software gap analysis, this could be used as a signal to improve user experience through design.

13. Observe Processes from the Frontline (Gemba Walk)

A Gemba walk involves going to the actual place where work is done, directly observing the process, engaging with employees, and finding areas for improvement.

By experiencing firsthand rather than solely reviewing abstract reports, practical problems and ideas emerge.

The limitation is Gemba walks provide anecdotes not statistically significant data. It complements but does not replace comprehensive performance measurement.

An example is a factory manager inspecting the production line to spot jam areas based on direct reality rather than relying on throughput dashboards alone back in her office. Frontline insights prove invaluable.

14. Analyze Competitive Forces (Porter’s Five Forces)

This involves assessing the marketplace around a problem or business situation via five key factors: competitors, new entrants, substitute offerings, suppliers, and customer power.

Evaluating these forces illuminates risks and opportunities for strategy development and issue resolution. It is effective for understanding dynamic external threats and opportunities when operating in a contested space.

However, over-indexing on only external factors can overlook the internal capabilities needed to execute solutions.

A startup CEO, for example, may analyze market entry barriers, whitespace opportunities, and disruption risks across these five forces to shape new product rollout strategies and marketing approaches.

15. Think from Different Perspectives (Six Thinking Hats)

The Six Thinking Hats is a technique developed by Edward de Bono that encourages people to think about a problem from six different perspectives, each represented by a colored “thinking hat.”

The key benefit of this strategy is that it pushes team members to move outside their usual thinking style and consider new angles. This brings more diverse ideas and solutions to the table.

It works best for complex problems that require innovative solutions and when a team is stuck in an unproductive debate. The structured framework keeps the conversation flowing in a positive direction.

Limitations are that it requires training on the method itself and may feel unnatural at first. Team dynamics can also influence success – some members may dominate certain “hats” while others remain quiet.

A real-life example is a software company debating whether to build a new feature. The white hat focuses on facts, red on gut feelings, black on potential risks, yellow on benefits, green on new ideas, and blue on process. This exposes more balanced perspectives before deciding.

Onethread centralizes diverse stakeholder communication onto one platform, ensuring all voices are incorporated when evaluating project tradeoffs, just as problem-solving should consider multifaceted solutions.

16. Visualize the Problem (Draw it Out)

Drawing out a problem involves creating visual representations like diagrams, flowcharts, and maps to work through challenging issues.

This strategy is helpful when dealing with complex situations with lots of interconnected components. The visuals simplify the complexity so you can thoroughly understand the problem and all its nuances.

Key benefits are that it allows more stakeholders to get on the same page regarding root causes and it sparks new creative solutions as connections are made visually.

However, simple problems with few variables don’t require extensive diagrams. Additionally, some challenges are so multidimensional that fully capturing every aspect is difficult.

A real-life example would be mapping out all the possible causes leading to decreased client satisfaction at a law firm. An intricate fishbone diagram with branches for issues like service delivery, technology, facilities, culture, and vendor partnerships allows the team to trace problems back to their origins and brainstorm targeted fixes.

17. Follow a Step-by-Step Procedure (Algorithms)

An algorithm is a predefined step-by-step process that is guaranteed to produce the correct solution if implemented properly.

Using algorithms is effective when facing problems that have clear, binary right and wrong answers. Algorithms work for mathematical calculations, computer code, manufacturing assembly lines, and scientific experiments.

Key benefits are consistency, accuracy, and efficiency. However, they require extensive upfront development and only apply to scenarios with strict parameters. Additionally, human error can lead to mistakes.

For example, crew members of fast food chains like McDonald’s follow specific algorithms for food prep – from grill times to ingredient amounts in sandwiches, to order fulfillment procedures. This ensures uniform quality and service across all locations. However, if a step is missed, errors occur.

The Problem-Solving Process

The problem-solving process typically includes defining the issue, analyzing details, creating solutions, weighing choices, acting, and reviewing results.

In the above, we have discussed several problem-solving strategies. For every problem-solving strategy, you have to follow these processes. Here’s a detailed step-by-step process of effective problem-solving:

Step 1: Identify the Problem

The problem-solving process starts with identifying the problem. This step involves understanding the issue’s nature, its scope, and its impact. Once the problem is clearly defined, it sets the foundation for finding effective solutions.

Identifying the problem is crucial. It means figuring out exactly what needs fixing. This involves looking at the situation closely, understanding what’s wrong, and knowing how it affects things. It’s about asking the right questions to get a clear picture of the issue. 

This step is important because it guides the rest of the problem-solving process. Without a clear understanding of the problem, finding a solution is much harder. It’s like diagnosing an illness before treating it. Once the problem is identified accurately, you can move on to exploring possible solutions and deciding on the best course of action.

Step 2: Break Down the Problem

Breaking down the problem is a key step in the problem-solving process. It involves dividing the main issue into smaller, more manageable parts. This makes it easier to understand and tackle each component one by one.

After identifying the problem, the next step is to break it down. This means splitting the big issue into smaller pieces. It’s like solving a puzzle by handling one piece at a time. 

By doing this, you can focus on each part without feeling overwhelmed. It also helps in identifying the root causes of the problem. Breaking down the problem allows for a clearer analysis and makes finding solutions more straightforward. 

Each smaller problem can be addressed individually, leading to an effective resolution of the overall issue. This approach not only simplifies complex problems but also aids in developing a systematic plan to solve them.

Step 3: Come up with potential solutions

Coming up with potential solutions is the third step in the problem-solving process. It involves brainstorming various options to address the problem, considering creativity and feasibility to find the best approach.

After breaking down the problem, it’s time to think of ways to solve it. This stage is about brainstorming different solutions. You look at the smaller issues you’ve identified and start thinking of ways to fix them. This is where creativity comes in. 

You want to come up with as many ideas as possible, no matter how out-of-the-box they seem. It’s important to consider all options and evaluate their pros and cons. This process allows you to gather a range of possible solutions. 

Later, you can narrow these down to the most practical and effective ones. This step is crucial because it sets the stage for deciding on the best solution to implement. It’s about being open-minded and innovative to tackle the problem effectively.

Step 4: Analyze the possible solutions

Analyzing the possible solutions is the fourth step in the problem-solving process. It involves evaluating each proposed solution’s advantages and disadvantages to determine the most effective and feasible option.

After coming up with potential solutions, the next step is to analyze them. This means looking closely at each idea to see how well it solves the problem. You weigh the pros and cons of every solution.

Consider factors like cost, time, resources, and potential outcomes. This analysis helps in understanding the implications of each option. It’s about being critical and objective, ensuring that the chosen solution is not only effective but also practical.

This step is vital because it guides you towards making an informed decision. It involves comparing the solutions against each other and selecting the one that best addresses the problem.

By thoroughly analyzing the options, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you’ve chosen the best path to solve the issue.

Step 5: Implement and Monitor the Solutions

Implementing and monitoring the solutions is the final step in the problem-solving process. It involves putting the chosen solution into action and observing its effectiveness, making adjustments as necessary.

Once you’ve selected the best solution, it’s time to put it into practice. This step is about action. You implement the chosen solution and then keep an eye on how it works. Monitoring is crucial because it tells you if the solution is solving the problem as expected. 

If things don’t go as planned, you may need to make some changes. This could mean tweaking the current solution or trying a different one. The goal is to ensure the problem is fully resolved. 

This step is critical because it involves real-world application. It’s not just about planning; it’s about doing and adjusting based on results. By effectively implementing and monitoring the solutions, you can achieve the desired outcome and solve the problem successfully.

Why This Process is Important

Following a defined process to solve problems is important because it provides a systematic, structured approach instead of a haphazard one. Having clear steps guides logical thinking, analysis, and decision-making to increase effectiveness. Key reasons it helps are:

• Clear Direction: This process gives you a clear path to follow, which can make solving problems less overwhelming.
• Better Solutions: Thoughtful analysis of root causes, iterative testing of solutions, and learning orientation lead to addressing the heart of issues rather than just symptoms.
• Saves Time and Energy: Instead of guessing or trying random things, this process helps you find a solution more efficiently.
• Improves Skills: The more you use this process, the better you get at solving problems. It’s like practicing a sport. The more you practice, the better you play.
• Maximizes collaboration: Involving various stakeholders in the process enables broader inputs. Their communication and coordination are streamlined through organized brainstorming and evaluation.
• Provides consistency: Standard methodology across problems enables building institutional problem-solving capabilities over time. Patterns emerge on effective techniques to apply to different situations.

The problem-solving process is a powerful tool that can help us tackle any challenge we face. By following these steps, we can find solutions that work and learn important skills along the way.

Key Skills for Efficient Problem Solving

Efficient problem-solving requires breaking down issues logically, evaluating options, and implementing practical solutions.

Key skills include critical thinking to understand root causes, creativity to brainstorm innovative ideas, communication abilities to collaborate with others, and decision-making to select the best way forward. Staying adaptable, reflecting on outcomes, and applying lessons learned are also essential.

With practice, these capacities will lead to increased personal and team effectiveness in systematically addressing any problem.

 Let’s explore the powers you need to become a problem-solving hero!

Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills

Critical thinking and analytical skills are vital for efficient problem-solving as they enable individuals to objectively evaluate information, identify key issues, and generate effective solutions. 

These skills facilitate a deeper understanding of problems, leading to logical, well-reasoned decisions. By systematically breaking down complex issues and considering various perspectives, individuals can develop more innovative and practical solutions, enhancing their problem-solving effectiveness.

Communication Skills

Effective communication skills are essential for efficient problem-solving as they facilitate clear sharing of information, ensuring all team members understand the problem and proposed solutions. 

These skills enable individuals to articulate issues, listen actively, and collaborate effectively, fostering a productive environment where diverse ideas can be exchanged and refined. By enhancing mutual understanding, communication skills contribute significantly to identifying and implementing the most viable solutions.

Decision-Making

Strong decision-making skills are crucial for efficient problem-solving, as they enable individuals to choose the best course of action from multiple alternatives. 

These skills involve evaluating the potential outcomes of different solutions, considering the risks and benefits, and making informed choices. Effective decision-making leads to the implementation of solutions that are likely to resolve problems effectively, ensuring resources are used efficiently and goals are achieved.

Planning and Prioritization

Planning and prioritization are key for efficient problem-solving, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to address the most critical issues first. This approach helps in organizing tasks according to their urgency and impact, streamlining efforts towards achieving the desired outcome efficiently.

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence enhances problem-solving by allowing individuals to manage emotions, understand others, and navigate social complexities. It fosters a positive, collaborative environment, essential for generating creative solutions and making informed, empathetic decisions.

Leadership skills drive efficient problem-solving by inspiring and guiding teams toward common goals. Effective leaders motivate their teams, foster innovation, and navigate challenges, ensuring collective efforts are focused and productive in addressing problems.

Time Management

Time management is crucial in problem-solving, enabling individuals to allocate appropriate time to each task. By efficiently managing time, one can ensure that critical problems are addressed promptly without neglecting other responsibilities.

Data Analysis

Data analysis skills are essential for problem-solving, as they enable individuals to sift through data, identify trends, and extract actionable insights. This analytical approach supports evidence-based decision-making, leading to more accurate and effective solutions.

Research Skills

Research skills are vital for efficient problem-solving, allowing individuals to gather relevant information, explore various solutions, and understand the problem’s context. This thorough exploration aids in developing well-informed, innovative solutions.

Becoming a great problem solver takes practice, but with these skills, you’re on your way to becoming a problem-solving hero. 

How to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills?

Improving your problem-solving skills can make you a master at overcoming challenges. Learn from experts, practice regularly, welcome feedback, try new methods, experiment, and study others’ success to become better.

Learning from Experts

Improving problem-solving skills by learning from experts involves seeking mentorship, attending workshops, and studying case studies. Experts provide insights and techniques that refine your approach, enhancing your ability to tackle complex problems effectively.

To enhance your problem-solving skills, learning from experts can be incredibly beneficial. Engaging with mentors, participating in specialized workshops, and analyzing case studies from seasoned professionals can offer valuable perspectives and strategies. 

Experts share their experiences, mistakes, and successes, providing practical knowledge that can be applied to your own problem-solving process. This exposure not only broadens your understanding but also introduces you to diverse methods and approaches, enabling you to tackle challenges more efficiently and creatively.

Improving problem-solving skills through practice involves tackling a variety of challenges regularly. This hands-on approach helps in refining techniques and strategies, making you more adept at identifying and solving problems efficiently.

One of the most effective ways to enhance your problem-solving skills is through consistent practice. By engaging with different types of problems on a regular basis, you develop a deeper understanding of various strategies and how they can be applied. 

This hands-on experience allows you to experiment with different approaches, learn from mistakes, and build confidence in your ability to tackle challenges.

Regular practice not only sharpens your analytical and critical thinking skills but also encourages adaptability and innovation, key components of effective problem-solving.

Openness to Feedback

Being open to feedback is like unlocking a secret level in a game. It helps you boost your problem-solving skills. Improving problem-solving skills through openness to feedback involves actively seeking and constructively responding to critiques. 

This receptivity enables you to refine your strategies and approaches based on insights from others, leading to more effective solutions. 

Learning New Approaches and Methodologies

Learning new approaches and methodologies is like adding new tools to your toolbox. It makes you a smarter problem-solver. Enhancing problem-solving skills by learning new approaches and methodologies involves staying updated with the latest trends and techniques in your field. 

This continuous learning expands your toolkit, enabling innovative solutions and a fresh perspective on challenges.

Experimentation

Experimentation is like being a scientist of your own problems. It’s a powerful way to improve your problem-solving skills. Boosting problem-solving skills through experimentation means trying out different solutions to see what works best. This trial-and-error approach fosters creativity and can lead to unique solutions that wouldn’t have been considered otherwise.

Analyzing Competitors’ Success

Analyzing competitors’ success is like being a detective. It’s a smart way to boost your problem-solving skills. Improving problem-solving skills by analyzing competitors’ success involves studying their strategies and outcomes. Understanding what worked for them can provide valuable insights and inspire effective solutions for your own challenges. 

Challenges in Problem-Solving

Facing obstacles when solving problems is common. Recognizing these barriers, like fear of failure or lack of information, helps us find ways around them for better solutions.

Fear of Failure

Fear of failure is like a big, scary monster that stops us from solving problems. It’s a challenge many face. Because being afraid of making mistakes can make us too scared to try new solutions. 

How can we overcome this? First, understand that it’s okay to fail. Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of learning. Every time we fail, we discover one more way not to solve a problem, getting us closer to the right solution. Treat each attempt like an experiment. It’s not about failing; it’s about testing and learning.

Lack of Information

Lack of information is like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. It’s a big challenge in problem-solving. Because without all the necessary details, finding a solution is much harder. 

How can we fix this? Start by gathering as much information as you can. Ask questions, do research, or talk to experts. Think of yourself as a detective looking for clues. The more information you collect, the clearer the picture becomes. Then, use what you’ve learned to think of solutions. 

Fixed Mindset

A fixed mindset is like being stuck in quicksand; it makes solving problems harder. It means thinking you can’t improve or learn new ways to solve issues. 

How can we change this? First, believe that you can grow and learn from challenges. Think of your brain as a muscle that gets stronger every time you use it. When you face a problem, instead of saying “I can’t do this,” try thinking, “I can’t do this yet.” Look for lessons in every challenge and celebrate small wins. 

Everyone starts somewhere, and mistakes are just steps on the path to getting better. By shifting to a growth mindset, you’ll see problems as opportunities to grow. Keep trying, keep learning, and your problem-solving skills will soar!

Jumping to Conclusions

Jumping to conclusions is like trying to finish a race before it starts. It’s a challenge in problem-solving. That means making a decision too quickly without looking at all the facts. 

How can we avoid this? First, take a deep breath and slow down. Think about the problem like a puzzle. You need to see all the pieces before you know where they go. Ask questions, gather information, and consider different possibilities. Don’t choose the first solution that comes to mind. Instead, compare a few options. 

Feeling Overwhelmed

Feeling overwhelmed is like being buried under a mountain of puzzles. It’s a big challenge in problem-solving. When we’re overwhelmed, everything seems too hard to handle. 

How can we deal with this? Start by taking a step back. Breathe deeply and focus on one thing at a time. Break the big problem into smaller pieces, like sorting puzzle pieces by color. Tackle each small piece one by one. It’s also okay to ask for help. Sometimes, talking to someone else can give you a new perspective. 

Confirmation Bias

Confirmation bias is like wearing glasses that only let you see what you want to see. It’s a challenge in problem-solving. Because it makes us focus only on information that agrees with what we already believe, ignoring anything that doesn’t. 

How can we overcome this? First, be aware that you might be doing it. It’s like checking if your glasses are on right. Then, purposely look for information that challenges your views. It’s like trying on a different pair of glasses to see a new perspective. Ask questions and listen to answers, even if they don’t fit what you thought before.

Groupthink is like everyone in a group deciding to wear the same outfit without asking why. It’s a challenge in problem-solving. It means making decisions just because everyone else agrees, without really thinking it through. 

How can we avoid this? First, encourage everyone in the group to share their ideas, even if they’re different. It’s like inviting everyone to show their unique style of clothes. 

Listen to all opinions and discuss them. It’s okay to disagree; it helps us think of better solutions. Also, sometimes, ask someone outside the group for their thoughts. They might see something everyone in the group missed.

Overcoming obstacles in problem-solving requires patience, openness, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. By recognizing these barriers, we can develop strategies to navigate around them, leading to more effective and creative solutions.

What are the most common problem-solving techniques?

The most common techniques include brainstorming, the 5 Whys, mind mapping, SWOT analysis, and using algorithms or heuristics. Each approach has its strengths, suitable for different types of problems.

What’s the best problem-solving strategy for every situation?

There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy. The best approach depends on the problem’s complexity, available resources, and time constraints. Combining multiple techniques often yields the best results.

How can I improve my problem-solving skills?

Improve your problem-solving skills by practicing regularly, learning from experts, staying open to feedback, and continuously updating your knowledge on new approaches and methodologies.

Are there any tools or resources to help with problem-solving?

Yes, tools like mind mapping software, online courses on critical thinking, and books on problem-solving techniques can be very helpful. Joining forums or groups focused on problem-solving can also provide support and insights.

What are some common mistakes people make when solving problems?

Common mistakes include jumping to conclusions without fully understanding the problem, ignoring valuable feedback, sticking to familiar solutions without considering alternatives, and not breaking down complex problems into manageable parts.

Final Words

Mastering problem-solving strategies equips us with the tools to tackle challenges across all areas of life. By understanding and applying these techniques, embracing a growth mindset, and learning from both successes and obstacles, we can transform problems into opportunities for growth. Continuously improving these skills ensures we’re prepared to face and solve future challenges more effectively.

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I know I'm not the only one who feels just a tad less guilty about extra screen time for my kids when they're engaged with an app that is helping them learn. Having a folder of problem-solving game apps for kids lets them exercise their minds and stretch their imaginations instead of just zoning out like they do while watching endless unboxing videos. (Although, I admit, those videos are oddly fascinating.)

Educational apps for kids aren't necessarily hard to come by and your kids likely already have a few that they love. However, these games will help kids hone in on specific problem-solving skills in various forms to keep their minds sharp and give them the chance to learn new things. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends kids engage with apps that "require more than 'pushing and swiping,'" which these 15 problem-solving game apps certainly do.

Strategy and planning are key components to solving any problem, so it is no surprise that all of these games help to make these concepts come to life for kids in a way that is fun and engaging. STEM-forward games engage physics and engineering to help kids create and invent to solve mechanical and structural problems, while traditional puzzle games allow kids to use their strategical skills to put together digital riddles.

The problem-solving power of puzzles cannot be overstated, and apps like Tozzle bring practice of this skillset right to your toddler's digital-loving fingertips. Instead of tripping over a pile of puzzles in your child's floor and risking losing critical pieces, let them explore the 40+ puzzles available on Tozzle. Designed for kids from toddler through early elementary, Tozzle's puzzles range in complexity so there is truly something for every kid.

2 Cut The Rope

My own kids adore playing this game. The goal of the game Cut The Rope is to feed a cute little monster named Om Nom as much candy as you can. The trick though is that to feed him, you must strategically cut a rope that the candy is hanging from so that it drops in Om Nom's mouth, dodging obstacles along the way. It's actually harder than it looks and requires quite a bit of critical thinking. Best suited for kids ages 4 and up, I have played this one myself a time or two, and it is actually entertaining and engaging for adults as well.

3 Busy Water

What do you get when you combine the physics of water with puzzles? The problem-solving app Busy Water . Kids can use their critical thinking skills to use pipes, wheels, blocks, and paddles to help Archie the fish find his way out of the open water and back into his fish tank. Aimed at children ages 6 to 10, this app will help engage children's creativity, as well as stretch their cognitive ability and reasoning skills.

4 Laugh & Learn Shapes & Colors

Even babies and toddlers can learn through simplistic problem solving apps. Designed for babies ages 6 months and up, this app by Fisher Price features a baby and toddler-friendly design with bright colors and simple shapes to sort. Two levels of play allow babies and toddlers to learn through tapping or tilting the screen to move the shapes and hear their names.

5 Mystery Math Town

Older kids who could benefit from brushing up on their math skills can do exactly that while enjoying the problem-solving app Mystery Math Town . The app engages kids in a mission to help a friendly ghost rescue fireflies hidden within Mystery Math Town by using math skills like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to unlock passages and enter rooms. The app is customizable to fit your child's specific math needs, but recommended for kids aged 7 and up.

6 Savings Spree

As an adult, I can confidently say that money can sometimes causes big problems that must be solved. Let your kids learn how to mitigate money issues before they get their hands on the real thing with the Savings Spree app . Kids ages 7 and up can practice problem solving skills related to money by engaging in the game show-style format of this game, choosing when to spend, save, invest, or donate their virtual money.

7 Inventioneers

For kids who love to experiment and invent new things, the Inventioneers app allows them to do so in a digital way. Kids ages 4 and up can build with 50+ objects and tools that utilize physics and engineering to create inventions that solve problems for the three fun Inventioneers characters working within the app.

8 Where's My Water?

This Disney app allows your kids to practice their problem-solving skills while also bringing attention to the global issue of clean water access. In Where's My Water? players must cut through dirt and manipulate pipes to deliver clean water through a sewer system to Swampy the alligator. Additional scenarios to solve involve creating steam to power another alligator's musical instrument and clearing algae from a picky alligator's plate.

9 Winky Think Logic Puzzles

The logic puzzles included in the Winky Think app start out easy, but get increasingly harder as the levels progress. From matching shapes and colors, to twisting and switching objects to maneuver through puzzles, each game encourages players to use reasoning skills as they work through each level. The lower levels of the app are best suited for kids around age 5, but older kids and teens can work through the low levels quickly and be challenged through 180 levels.

10 Shiny Picnic

The Shiny Picnic app provides engaging and fun game play for toddlers and preschoolers to practice their problem-solving skills. Kids can sort and match objects like fruits and vegetables by color, following along with the game's fun animal characters as they help the crew pack for and set up picnics.

11 'The Cat In The Hat' Builds That

If your kids love The Cat In The Hat , this PBS Kids app will help them hone in on problem-solving skills right alongside their favorite feisty feline. Kids can engineer their own creations to help solve dilemmas using physics and scientific concepts. Preschoolers will love this fun and easy-to-explore app set in a backyard where The Cat In the Hat and friends build tree houses, playgrounds, and more.

12 Thinkrolls

When you combine STEM concepts with traditional logic games, you get a game that kids can truly get lost in while learning about engineering, physics, and mechanics. Kids ages 3 to 8 can help the adorable monster creatures in the app Thinkrolls make their way through obstacle courses by manipulating objects to clear paths and trying different methods to finish the game.

13 Cyberchase 3D Builder

This app from PBS Kids uses geometry and three-dimensional shapes to help take traditional puzzle games to the next level. Kids ages 6 and up are tasked with using shapes to re-build the city of Botropolis after it is accidentally zapped by Delete and Buzz from the classic Cyberchase game .

14 Zoombinis

The Zoombinis app is a recreation of the classic '90s computer game Logical Journey of the Zoombinis , which stars tiny blue creatures attempting to journey home. In this app, kids will solve logic puzzles that engage analyzation skills, pattern creation, and more within each level in order to unlock each additional level until the Zoombinis complete their travels and wind up back at home.

15 Tami's Tower

The Tami's Tower app allows kids to use their problem-solving skills to build towers that help Tami the tiger reach fruit to eat. Created by the Smithsonian Institute , the game takes basic engineering predicaments and allows kids to stretch their minds to create solutions to those problems by stacking and manipulating objects.

22 Super Helpful Apps for Kids with ADHD

L. Elizabeth Forry

Children and teens with ADHD often struggle with routine, daily tasks.  Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurological disorder that affects a person’s impulse control, ability to focus, stay on task, remember important details, and problem-solving skills.

Someone with ADHD does not lack intelligence or the ability to complete daily tasks or succeed in school or life, but they may need additional tools or accommodations to reach their goals. 

Related: The 25 Best Fidget Toys for Kids with ADHD 

One of those tools parents and schools are utilizing is apps designed specifically for children and teens with ADHD. These apps help kids stay focused and improve executive function, critical thinking, and working memory. 

Common Symptoms of ADHD

• Often makes careless mistakes.
• Inattention to details
• Struggles to focus on activities or play
• Seems not to listen when directly spoken to
• Fails to follow through on instructions, schoolwork, or chores
• Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
• Typically avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to participate in tasks
• requiring sustained mental effort
• Often loses or misplaces things
• Easily distracted
• Forgetful in daily activities
• May easily feel overwhelmed
• Behind in social skills compared to peers
• Frequently interrupts or blurts things out

For more information, check out this CDC fact sheet for parents on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Although too much screen time isn’t beneficial for children, especially children with ADHD, many helpful apps, when used in moderation, can benefit kids with ADHD and aid them in completing tasks and promoting positive skills. 

Which Apps are Good for Kids with ADHD? 

There are a lot of apps on the market claiming to help children and teens with ADHD. Many apps are available on iPhone and Android. Here are our top picks for the best overall ADHD apps including ADHD memory games, to-do lists and other helpful learning tools. 

NuerNaation: Best App for Teens & Tweens to Improve Memory

Recommended for ages 10+

NueroNation is an excellent app for older kids and tweens. It includes games and exercises to improve memory and brain processing speed which could help your teen remember daily tasks.

It is bright and colorful, so it appeals to tweens and teens, but unlike other apps geared toward younger kids, it doesn’t have cute little characters and animals. 

You can download NeuroNation on the App Store or Google Play Store . 

Joon: Best App for Younger Kids

Recommended for ages 6 to 12

Joon is the perfect app for younger children who need help completing daily tasks. Joon uses gamification and quests to help young children reach their goals and complete their to-do lists.

Parents can set the tasks they need their children to complete: brushing their teeth, getting dressed, putting their shoes on, etc., making it customizable to their children.

The child gets to choose a virtual pet to take care of, and when daily tasks are completed and parent-approved, they earn coins to take care of their pet and play with them!

You can download on the App Store or Google Play Store . 

Bugs and Buttons: Best App for Preschoolers

Recommended for ages 4+ 

Bugs and Buttons is an app designed for kids ages three to five. Most children this young have not been diagnosed with ADHD, but this kid-friendly app is designed to help build cognitive skills like memory, problem-solving , patterns, colors, and more. 

The typical ADHD child is sometimes behind in cognitive skills, so even though the recommended for preschool-aged kids, the app may also be helpful for older kids who are still working on some of these skills. 

The app costs $2.99 and includes 18 different games and activities. Bugs and Buttons is only available for Apple iPads or iPhones on the App Store . 

Headspace: Best App to Help with Emotion Regulation

Recommended for ages 6+  

Headspace is a guided meditation app that helps people learn emotional regulation . Meditation is highly effective for children and can help calm and focus the ADHD brain. 

Headspace offers unique videos, activities, and meditations for kids, parents, and caregivers, and you can set reminder notifications for daily practice. Its calming colors, characters, and graphics appeal to kids and adults both.

You can try a 7-day or 14-day free trial of Headspace before deciding to purchase either a monthly or annual subscription. 

Headspace is available in the App Store and Google Play . 

Khan Academy: Best Educational App

Recommended for ages 4+

Khan Academy is not an ADHD-specific app, but its unique teaching and learning style that allows learners to go at their individualized pace makes it perfect for helping kids with ADHD and other learning disabilities . 

Khan Academy is aimed at helping children fill learning gaps or focus on trouble areas they need extra help mastering. It has courses for pre-K through college in math, science, language arts, and life skills. 

Users can access the lessons on a computer or via a mobile device on the Kahn Academy app in the App Store and Google Play .  

EndeavorRX: Only FDA-Approved App for ADHD

Recommended for ages 8 to 12

EndeavorRX is the only FDA-approved video game and app for children with ADHD. The game is designed to help children with focus and attention, and mental agility.

EndeavorRX is a prescription digital therapeutic and may be covered by your child’s insurance. It is a monthly prescription of $99 and is available on iOS or Android . 

Best Games for Kids with ADHD

Gamification is an excellent way to engage children and build cognitive skills . Kids love screen time, so using educational apps and games is the perfect way to give them the electronic time they’re craving while developing necessary mental skills. 

Recommended for all ages

Mental Up has won numerous parenting awards and is designed for children of all ages. There are no ads, and it has a low monthly cost of $5.99 if you sign up for an annual plan which covers three users. 

The app allows you to tailor the games and activities specific to the needs and age of your child. It has over 150 games and over 200 fun fitness activities for kids. 

Mental Up is available on the App Store and Google Play. 

Recommended for ages 4 to 12

AR Dragon is guaranteed to delight younger kids and may entice older kids as they hatch, raise, and care for their dragon. The game teaches responsibility in a fun, unique way.

The app is free, but there are some in-app purchases within the game available for additional costs. 

You can get the AR Dragon app on the App Store . .

Monster Physics

Monster Physics is the perfect game for your budding engineer. Children with ADHD that are STEM-minded will love creating cars, plans, rocket ships, and more. 

The app teaches physics and problem-solving and encourages creativity and imagination. 

The game only costs $1.99 for full access and can be played on the iPhone or iPad. You can download Monster Physics in the App Store .  

Recommended for ages 8+ 

Yes, Roblox – the game your child is probably already playing.

Roblox has numerous educational games that promote fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and mathematics. In addition, it is a fun, safe way for your child to engage in social media . Children cam be creative as they design their avatars and create their own worlds. 

Parents can maintain control of what types of games their child can access by setting the age limit to 9+, 13+, or all ages. Roblox also give parents the ability to set a parent pin so that no changes can be made to the account without using the pin. 

Roblox is available on the Roblox website , the App Store , and Google Play . 

Recommended for ages 6+

Hay Day is a free app where you can build a farm and raise animals. Children must harvest seeds, know when to plant them, set prices for their roadside stand, and more.

It is not an ADHD-specific app, but it does teach some basic skills like problem-solving, money management, and organization. 

You can download Hay Day on Google Play . 

Time Management Apps for Kids

Children and teens with ADHD typically need a lot of help managing their time . They are easily distracted from tasks at hand and may also need time limits when it comes to gaming due to a lack of self-control.

It is very easy for those with ADHD to develop screen addiction, so time management is essential. 

Recommended for ages 13+ 

RescueTime is a valuable tool for teens and college students with ADHD. It reminds you of important tasks like meetings, classes, taking your medication, etc. 

It tracks which websites pull your focus more so you can learn how to deal with distractions and tracks your focused work time so you can see how productive you’ve been.

RescueTime is available in the App Store . 

Todoist is another task and time management app that will benefit teens and young adults the most. 

Users can rank tasks by priority, create regular reminders for recurring events, and track productivity. 

Todoist is available in the App Store and Google Play . 

Happy Kids Timer 

This cute app is the perfect time management tool for children with special needs like ADHD,  autism , or dyslexia . It uses visualization, which is perfect for younger kids or children who can’t read fluently. 

The app is designed to be used by children as they follow the routine and work on refining their time management skills. There is a free option of the app as well as a paid version that offers more customizable features.

Happy Kids Timer is available on Amazon , the Apple App Store , Google Play , and AppGallery . 

We all spend too much time on smartphones and electronic devices. OFFTIME is designed to help people put down their phones and focus on other tasks.

OFFTIME is available for Android and i OS , but the Android app includes additional more features. 

Apps to Help with ADHD Symptoms 

16. Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame Street

Recommended for ages 4 to 8 

Children with ADHD often struggle to regulate their emotions more than their peers. If you have a younger child with ADHD, Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame Street is a helpful tool that uses visualization and calming techniques. 

Breath, Think, Do with Sesame Street works on problem-solving, decision-making, and planning. 

Breath, Think, Do with Sesame Street is available on the App Store . 

You may already be familiar with Asana from your workplace, but this organizational app is not just for the office. Asana is a productivity tool that can help those with ADHD manage their time and tasks. 

If you’re the parent to multiple children with ADHD or who struggle with tasks and time, management-Asana allows you to manage your family’s tasks all from one space. 

Asana is available as a desktop version and for iOS and Android . 

Recommended for ages 6+ 

Children and teens with ADHD often struggle to read because of the level of focus it takes. In addition, many children with ADHD also have dyslexia making reading even more challenging.

Audible allows your child to listen to the books they need to read for school, which may help them with comprehension and retention. In addition, they can use the app to highlight important passages and take notes.

Check out Audible on Amazon , the Apple App Store , and Google Play . 

Evernote is a productivity app that teens and adults can use for home life, work, or school. It has a free level with many advantages, such as note-taking, the ability to attach files and PDFs, and sync two devices. 

Evernote is a great tool for teens and college students with ADHD who need help staying organized and on top of tasks. 

Evernote is available to use on desktop as well as in the App Store and Google Play .

Remember the Milk

Recommended for ages 10+ 

The name of this app tickles us, and the ease of using this app is also appealing. The app uses customizable reminders, which can be set to repeat or single-use to keep you or your child on top of their routine. 

You can send reminders to Twitter, email, text, and pop-up notifications, and the app works on all types of smartphones, including the BlackBerry 10.

You can download Remember the Milk in the App Store or Google Play . 

MindNode is the ultimate mind-mapping tool. People with ADHD often struggle to organize their thoughts, so mind-mapping or brain-mapping is an excellent tool when great ideas pop up!

MindNode allows you to input your idea, so you don’t forget it, and then you can re-focus on the task at hand. In addition, MindNode allows users to customize their theme and the look of their mind map with fun colors, patterns, and stickers.

MindNode is available on the App Store . 

GoHenry is a financial app designed specifically for kids.  It teaches them about saving, budgeting, and earning. Parents can set tasks that, once completed, automatically deposit money into their child’s account. 

GoHenry is available on the App Store and Google Play . 

And if you’re in the UK, check out the app Rooster Money , a highly acclaimed budgeting app that unfortunately only accepts UK users. 

For more information on helping kids manage their ADHD check out our useful Self-Regulation Techniques for Kids with ADHD . 

About L. Elizabeth Forry

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