Claude Shannon’s method for formulating and solving problems

Step 1: Simplify. Simplify. Simplify.

Step 2: Fill your 'mental matrix' with solutions to similar problems.

Step 3: Approach the problem from many different angles.

Step 4: Break a big problem down into small pieces.

Step 5: Solve the problem 'backwards.'

Step 6: If you've solved the problem, extend that solution out as far as it will go.

Source of article: http://www1.ece.neu.edu/~naderi/Claude%20Shannon.html

It's a transcript of a speech Shannon gave on creativity.

Very good. Reminds me of the book "How to solve it" by Polya.

I also like the Feynman problem solving algorithm:

1) Write down the problem.

2) Think very hard.

3) Write down the solution.

This is the original article: http://uk.businessinsider.com/engineer-claude-shannon-proble...

My favourite of Shannon's theorems:

Shannon’s Juggling Theorem

(F+D)H=(V+D)N

F is the time a ball spends in the air (Flight)

D is the time a ball spends in a hand (Dwell), or equivalently, the time a hand spends with a ball in it

V is the time a hand spends empty (Vacant)

N is the number of balls

H is the number of hands

(http://lkozma.net/blog/shannons-juggling-theorem/ for more details)

Would like to know how quickly Shannon cycled through these steps. The "fill your mental matrix" may suggest some for of priming or unconscious process taking place, perhaps over night, or over a walk? My experience is that ideas take time to bloom.

Waiting for kindle version to drop on Amazon UK (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mind-Play-Shannon-Invented-Informat...)

How much do the rights actually cost? As in, is it feasible for me to purchase these rights and sell Kindle edition myself?

Nice list of tricks. I always try to remember one simple truth of problem solving and creativity: our minds can create nothing. All we can do is find connections between things. We consider it genius when people make a great leap of a connection, but that is usually achieved by the hard work of finding the right inputs. Shannon understood that as well as anyone.

Putting Claude Shannon in an ordinary grad student's shoes, what fills me with sheer unmitigated terror is: if that's what was my masters thesis, what could I possibly do after that, that is significant in comparison, that would qualify for a PhD dissertation. Stuff for nightmares and cold sweat. Surely not for the real Claude Shannon

I was surprised at the recent surge in articles about Claude Shannon. Taking a closer look, I can see a brilliant case of how good marketing works. Most of these articles have been written by same authors who wrote the biography of Claude Shannon. Although, he is a respected figure but his reverence—or, better say, popularity—is nowhere near a famous businessman like Steve Jobs.

These articles work as a trigger to get interested in Claude Shannon and then, the book itself. And I am sure it's working. I am almost tempted to buy the book. Like many people, I certainly detest many marketing tactics but this is an example of one that has been done right and is even helpful.