Solutioning is a headspace where we think we understand the problem we're trying to solve and we are trying on solutions to see how well they fit - think "throwing stuff at the wall to see what sticks." ==The core mindset of solutioning is to try to narrow down the field of possibilities until we get to one that works best==.
Solutioning can be very helpful for brainstorming ideas and getting to creative answers. However, going into solutioning prematurely before we get to [[The root problem]] and before we've considered all the context can result in worse solutions.
## Effective solutioning
Solutioning is most effective when the group of people solutioning:
- Are open to any ideas and also willing to readily represent their perspective and what they know to dig into tradeoffs for each idea
- Have several solutions in view but aren't sure yet which one is right
- Believe they have selected [[The root problem]] and have all the context
Solutioning is often contrasted with [[Exploring]].