Pattern Domination Bias
The tendency to let an obvious perceptual pattern dominate our view, leading us to dismiss logically equivalent alternative descriptions that reveal different perceptually useful patterns.
THE IDEA
Alternative Descriptions
The diagram discussed here is absent. The passage describes an arrangement in which the overlap of two squares forms another square.
The ‘two overlapping squares’ seems so obvious a description that any other seems perverse. This illustrates how strong is the domination by obvious patterns. Once again it may be felt that ‘two squares overlapping’ is the same as ‘three squares’ since the latter is implied by the former. This is a tendency that must be resisted because often even a minor change in the way a thing is looked at can make a huge difference. One must resist the temptation to say that one description means the same thing as another and hence that it is just quibbling.
There may be elaborate descriptions which seek to be so comprehensive that they cover all possibilities: ‘Two squares that overlap at one corner so that the area of overlap is a square of side about half that of the original squares’. Such comprehensive descriptions almost reproduce the diagram and hence must include all sorts of other descriptions. Nevertheless these other descriptions must be accepted in their own right. Logically a description may be redundant in that it is implied by another but perceptually the same description may make use of new patterns. For instance the idea of three squares is useful even though it is implicit in the overlap description.
Exercise 4 asks how another pictured pattern is made up, but that pattern is not included.
When to use it
In design, when evaluating a user interface, consciously consider alternative ways of describing the layout to uncover usability issues.
In problem-solving, after reaching a solution, brainstorm alternative descriptions of the problem to check if new insights emerge.
In communication, when explaining a concept, offer multiple descriptions that are logically equivalent but highlight different patterns to aid understanding.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Two Overlapping Squares vs. Three Squares
A diagram shows two squares overlapping at one corner. The dominant, obvious description is 'two overlapping squares.' An alternative description is 'three squares' (the two original squares and the overlapping region as a third square). Although logically implied by the first description, the second reveals a new perceptual pattern that can be useful in analysis or design.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Think of a recent problem where you held onto one description of the situation. What alternative descriptions might reveal new patterns?
How can you train yourself to deliberately look for alternative perceptual patterns, even when they seem logically redundant?
In what areas of your life (work, relationships, creativity) does the domination of an obvious pattern limit your options?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Lateral Thinking A Textbook of Creativity (Edward de Bono)