Do More with Less
5 hours ago
- #decision-making
- #cognitive bias
- #minimalism
- People are biased toward adding rather than subtracting when solving problems, as shown in studies like the 2021 Nature experiment.
- Three reasons for this bias: scarcity mindset makes us want more, additive ideas require less cognitive effort, and rewards are often tied to additions.
- Examples of successful subtraction include Steve Jobs cutting Apple products and Hans Monderman reducing traffic accidents by removing signs.
- Subtraction helps focus on valuable opportunities and increases accuracy, since removing known elements avoids unintended consequences.
- While addition is sometimes necessary, fighting the bias by asking 'how can we simplify?' first can lead to better outcomes.