Customer Reviews

Rapid Problem Solving with Post-It Notes

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

As an IT Consultant I am always looking for different methods to solve problems. I found this book to be simple but yet valuable.

When I first started reading this book it took me back to a book called "Visualizing Project Management" where the authors Forsberg, Mooz and Cotterman use the process of "Cards on the Wall" technique to encourage group thinking and visually determine dependencies.

This book introduces an effective way to solve problems with Post-it® Note. It starts off by showing simple key principles: (1) Chunking; capturing small information of data, (2) Problem Patterns, arranging and determining relationships, (3) Guiding decisions and keeping clear objectives, and (4) the *FOG* factor (Facts, Opinions, Guesses).

The core of the book provides 6 easy to use methods: (1) Post up, (2) Swap sort, (3) Top-down Tree, (4) Bottom-up Tree, (5) Information map and (6) Action Map. Note that "Information map" has nothing to do with Information Mapping®, which is both a registered trademark and different method owned by Information Mapping, Inc.

These methods are represented graphically with many examples to help you determine which method is best suited to find the solution for complex problems.

What I found most helpful in this book was the step-by-step procedures in every chapter. Every method has a clear definition of what it is and how and when it should be used. Grasping these methods will paint a clear picture towards the direction of a solution. I recommend this book to those that are looking for an effective, yet simple, way of solving problems.

I'm the author of "Thinkertoys: A Handbook of Creative Thinking Techniques," and other books on creative thinking. As such, I read pretty much everything that's published that can be useful in facilitating creative thinking workshops and seminars. I find the ideas in this book fun,useful and extremely effective. I'm constantly recomending it to people looking for ways to become more creative in their personal and business lives.

This book is a real wonder.

In a very friendly way, and without resorting to any technology beyond sticky notes, it introduces several concepts of computer science and systems engineering.

It can be used as a brainstorming tool, but it can also be used by us programmers as a gift to the non-programmers in our lives. It can serve as an exposition of what it is we do all day when we aren't cursing irritating APIs and OS misfeatures. This is about the part of our jobs that we love and that we have so much trouble explaining.

I'm delighted it's still in print. I love oddball books in general, and this is a great example. It really delivers much more than it claims to.

Don't hesitate for a minute to buy this one.
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mt

This book provides six easy to use methods for facilitating decision making and getting everyone involved in working through solutions. I keep this book in my briefcase for use at any time - don't let the name of the book fool you, it's about quick methods for problem solving using Post It Notes to help you. I keep referring back to the book time and again. I highly recommend it.

I'm a big fan of using rapid prototyping in a variety of ways - from everything from designing software products to building consensus in meetings and setting priorities. There was nothing new in this book that a smart person with the general idea wouldn't be able to come up with on their own. There is a lot of white space in the book and many rudimentary ideas are explained in painful detail. No case studies and really only one application (building consensus and prioritization in meetings). The contents of the book might be better contained in a five page pamphlet.

Don't get fooled by the title, this is about using Post-It notes but the core of the book can be used easily without them. This book is about simple problem-solving tools that most people have already used, but presented in an organized way. These tools are not only for analysts or managers or X; they are for everyone who needs to solve problems like "what gift will I give to my friend?", "What are the core priorities of this project?", "How should I classify our product categories?", "what are the relationships among out departments?", etc. Please note that Post-It notes are used as enhancers of those simple problem-solving techniques, and they are used in very powerful ways. I didn't have ever considered the Post-It notes as serious material for my job; I thought they were only good for to-do listings.

The book is very easy to read; also, it can be read as a reference book (to remind you how or when to use any of the techniques) or as a step-by-step tutorial.

This is not a book with obscure quasi-magical problem-solving techniques only known by rocket science consultants... this is a book about very basic tools that will help you to solve most problems you will find everyday at work, at home, at wherever.

Highly recommended for young people too.

David Straker shows six simple problem-solving processes for use in groups. He uses the Post-it(R) Note at the center of his processes to allow quick posting of ideas and thoughts, rearrangement, prioritization and mapping.

The book is a quick read and gives you step-by-step instructions about using each process in a meeting. Its illustrations, while simple, are concise and informative.

This book offers problem solving techniques that may be used well in the suggested sequence, and may be used independently, as well. And, of course, each technique employs Post-It Notes.

At first glance, it may seem that Straker's techniques are almost too simple -- simplistic. They are not. In fact, they reflect a deep understanding of the problem solving, and how to profitably involve groups in that process.

The book is short, well-organized, and clear. Reading it cover to cover won't take long and is time well spent. However, you can cherry pick his chapters and still benefit.

My partner and I recently introduced Straker's method (and book) to a client -- a Washington think tank. They were immediately able to reach faster, better solutions that included a broader range of input. They have become, in their words, "sticky note zealots." Well, me too.

Highly recommended.

Really great reference book for identifying and solving problems, planning and information mapping. Takes several management systems and combines them in a practical, time-effective method for working individually or in teams.

This gets five stars just because I think more people should use the concepts in this book for meetings, planning, etc. So simple and easy to do and it makes meetings go so much smoother and more efficient. It would have gotten four stars, because the format of the book could have been better organized, but I think it should be required reading before anyone can plan a project or lead a meeting.