John Maeda has noted two Georges’ way of thinking about problems in their respective fields–Mathematics and Research. We see both these sets of questions fitting perfectly with marketing, business and life too.

George Pólya’s questions for problem solving in mathematics:

Understand the problem
• What is the unknown?
• What are the data?
• What is the condition?
• Can the problem be solved?

Assumptions
• What can you or need you assume?
• What shouldn’t you assume?
• Have you made subconscious assumptions?

Devising a plan of attack
• Have you seen this or a related problem before?
• Have you seen a similar unknown before?
• Can you restate the problem?
• If you can’t solve this problem, can you solve a similar or simpler problem?

Aftermath
• Are you sure of the solution? Can you see it at a glance?
• Did you use all the data? the whole condition?
• Can you get the same solution another way?
• Are there other valid solutions?
• Can you apply the solution or method to another problem?
• Was this a satisfying problem to solve?

.

George Heilmeier’s list of questions for solving research challenges:

1. What are you trying to do? Articulate your objectives using absolutely no jargon.
2. How is it done today, and what are the limits of current practice?
3. What is new in your approach and why do you think it will be successful?
4. Who cares? If you are successful, what difference will it make?
5. What are the risks?
6. How much will it cost?
7. How long will it take?
8. What are the mid-term and final “exams” to check for success?