In this article, youll learn (or remember) what is the one thing you better start solvinganyproblem.

Ok… lets start with a story.

I lived in Amsterdam for 3 years.

How to solve any design problem by understanding its roots

When I moved there I was very lucky to find an apartment in a building that was recently finished.

Seriously… there were no lights installed in the whole apartment.

I literally had cables hanging from the ceiling.

Me, holding a shiny new building on my hand, with sparkles on my eyes.

The landlord didnt seem interested in helping, so I had to install it myself.

[Read:Are EVs too expensive?

I didnt even own any tools before this, so I had a true challenge ahead of me.

Girl climbing stairs with a carrying a bike and saying “stairs suck”.

Do you know how many designers it takes to install a light bulb?

Just one… but does it have to be a light bulb?

Thats not even supposed to be a joke… thats exactly what I thought.

Darkness, where you can only see my eyes.

Since I had to install something, I decided to get ceiling lamps instead of just regular light bulbs.

Little did I know, my saga was about to start.

Problem 1

I have to drill the ceiling, but I dont own a drill.

Me, thinking about ceiling lamps.

I went back to the storeand bought a few stone drill bits.

And normally, Id venture to avoid real human interactions as much as possible.

After this, I went back home.

Me, looking at a drill I don’t have.

Problem 4:

The new more expensive drill didnt make any difference.

So, I went back to the store and told him it didnt work.

He said that is was probably concrete, otherwise the drill he had suggested would have worked.

Me, looking at a stone drill bit I don’t have.

The drill he was recommending was even more expensive but they didnt have it in stock.

Did it work?

It worked!!!

Me, looking at a drill I just bought.

With that drill, I FINALLY managed to get some holes in the ceiling and plant the lamps.

The answer is coming.

My problem was that I needed to drill holes in a ceilingmade of concrete.

Me, swearing and with smoke coming out of my ears.

Now, thats the theory.

If the solution ends up not working, that isnt a waste of time.

AsCharles Ketteringsaid:

A problem well stated is a problem half-solved.

Han, telling me exactly what I need (a powerful drill and a concrete drilling bit)

If you want me to tell you this story in person, check this:

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you might read the original piecehere.

Me, smiling and with sun glasses. Feeling good.

Also tagged with

A tree — representing what you’re trying to fix, and its roots representing the real problem.

Me, juggling drills.