Depth Perception, Problem Solving II

The left brain thinker will look at the problem and focus on verbal, logical and analytical type of thinking. They are very linear and place things in sequential order. This process tends to focus on a solution to a problem from one point of view, and that is the logical point of view.

The right brain thinker will look at the problem much differently. Their brain functions in a non-verbal, nonlinear, non-sequential manner and tends to be more visual, perceptual and intuitive. Their right brain can see the whole picture and determine the spatial relationships of all the possible solutions as they relate to the whole. In other words, this allows for multiple views of the problem.

The left brain thinker will work in a sequential manner looking for the right answer. While the right brain thinker will be more concerned with quickly looking for multiple answers and later determine which is best.

When it comes right down to it, to create depth perception in problem solving, whole-brain thinking is required. This allows each hemisphere of the brain to bring different points-of-view to the solution. Again, right brain thinking is also required to determine the best possible solution.

Depth Perception Problem Solving

To view a problem from only one perspective gives you a limited perspective of a solution. If you add depth perception to your problem solving skills, you will find your solutions will be much easier to grasp. That means you need to view the problem from different angels.

Try this experiment
1. Close both eyes
2. Have another person set a cup (non-breakable) within your reach
3. Now open only one eye. (keep the other close)
4. Reach for the cup. You have to feel your way around before you can find the cup
5. Now, close both eyes again
6. Have the cup place again within reach. (not in the same place)
7. Open both eyes
8. Reach for the cup. You now know exactly where the cup is to grab it

This experiment is much like problem solving. When the solution is only viewed from one perspective, you’re not really sure if you have the best possible solution. But if you look at the problem from multiple points of view, it is much easier to understand where the best possible solution resides.

When you solve a problem, don’t just take the facts and work your way to a solution. Challenge yourself and add multiple points of view to make sure you have the best possible solution.

Suppressed Creativity

Today if you were given a choice to be intellectually brilliant or creatively brilliant which would you chose? My guess is you would choose to be intellectually brilliant. The reason being is you have been taught your whole life that the more left brain intelligent you are the better you will do in school and in the working world. This belief suppresses our ability to absorb information and view the problem from different points of view. Creative solutions become suppressed.

From an early age we were told that we must find the one correct answer. Many of us learned to file information away (in our left side of our brain) so we can later retrieve that information with predictable results. That process limits our ability to reach beyond what we know; it limits our ability to except new ideas. We must allow our students and peers to experience using the right side of our brains. I’m not saying that math, sciences, and languages are not important, they are very important. What I am trying to point out is, tapping into the right side of our brain allows us to be comfortable with reaching beyond our expectations, reaching beyond that one right answer to achieve new and interesting ideas.

The left brain thinker is able to see a vertical process in their solutions. While the right brain thinker will view the problem from many different angles. It is this combination of thinking that deliver great ideas.

How impressive would it be for a company to team up left brain thinkers with a right brain thinkers? Just imagine the brilliant solutions they could come up. The right brain thinker would push the ideas to new and exciting possible solutions. The left brain person would keep the project on strategy and help develop the new concept to completion.

To make this possible, Right Brain thinking needs to be accepted as important as left brain thinking. If that were the case, I think many of us would enjoy being creatively brilliant.