Constraints

Paradoxically, adding constraints is a way to come up with new ideas. Reducing the options sharpens the focus and enhances creativity. Constraining the input has an opposite effect – it improves problem-solving ability.

It’s the same as the research into decision fatigue:  with too many choices, or when we have already made too many decisions that day, our brains can struggle with the cognitive load.  And so, we look for an easy way out.

Constraining options helps in several ways. Like right now, there are fewer options for how to meet, and so we are finding new ways to do that.