Don't Try to Solve Hyperobject Problems Once

Developer Tea

This episode delves into the philosophical concept of hyperobjects – problems so vast and complex they lack clear boundaries and cannot be "solved" once and for all. It explores why attempting to permanently fix issues like technical debt, user experience, or performance management is often ineffective. Instead, it offers a new perspective: how to interact with and manage these intractable problems by focusing on specific outcomes and accepting their ongoing nature.

• Understand hyperobjects as problems that extend beyond clear boundaries and time, such as technical debt or performance management, which cannot be truly "solved".
• Discover why a "one-time fix" approach is an anti-pattern for hyperobjects, as their dynamic nature means solutions must also be continuous.
• Learn to shift your mindset from "solving" to "interacting" with these large, persistent problems, focusing on managing their effects rather than trying to contain them.
• Explore the importance of focusing on specific, achievable outcomes and taking "snapshots" of the problem's current state, acknowledging that the hyperobject itself will continue to evolve.
• Recognise that language and conceptualisation play a crucial role in framing and addressing these intractable challenges within your work and organisation.

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