@pusher 25 September 2020 edited

Think outside the box to solve your problems - Part 2 In my first post about this series, I introduced the importance of thinking outside the box to solve problems. Strategy #1 of "*Doing the Opposite*" was introduced and applied to the fictional problem of overcrowded buses. Although Strategy #1 often leads to interesting solutions, many of them create new and unexpected consequences. For this reason, I often like to apply another method to problem solving. Strategy #2: If you can't fix it, then feature it

Imagine this problem: A prestigious hotel in Monte Carlo replaced their aging elevators with new ones. After the replacement, they received many complaints from their customers about long waits for elevators. The elevator manufacturer was brought to the hotel to investigate, but they discovered nothing wrong with the way the systems were operating. What can be done to solve this problem of long waits for the elevator? There are three obvious solutions: Replace the new elevators with a completely different model and system. Upgrade the elevator propulsion system to give it more power, which in turn would move the elevator cars faster. Install additional elevators throughout the hotel, so fewer customers would need to share the elevator cars. All of these solutions were costly, and all of them treat the elevator as the source of the problem. Furthermore, obvious solution 3 also would create a consequence of losing valuable floor space to fit the additional elevators. Now let's use **Strategy #2**, and simply *feature the elevator*. Instead of replacing, repairing, or adding new elevators, how can we turn the current elevator into **something valued by, or important for the customer**? Outside the box solution: *Add* *mirrors* *to the elevator doors that face the elevator lobby!* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuZE_IRwLNI

After mirrors were added, many customers became preoccupied with their appearance by constantly admiring their own reflections to ensure they looked perfect on their way out. The distraction often led to the customer losing track of time. Fewer customers complained about the elevator wait time. The two additional benefits are that this would be both the fastest, and the most cost-effective solution! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuZE_IRwLNI Give it try sometime...think outside the box. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuZE_IRwLNI Thanks for reading, and stay safe! If you would like to support my work, please hit like 👍 and subscribe! 😊 *Related reading:* *Think outside the box to solve your problems - Part 1* https://read.cash/@pusher/think-outside-the-box-to-solve-your-problems-par Photos: Elevator lobby by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels https://www.pexels.com/@olly?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels https://www.pexels.com/photo/stylish-concentrated-man-looking-in-mirror-in-bathroom-3771081/?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels Man with Reflection by Shawn Ang on Unsplash https://unsplash.com/@shawnanggg?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText https://unsplash.com/s/photos/elevator-doors?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText