XY Problem – or when we don't know what we're asking about
Read OriginalThis article defines and explores the 'XY Problem,' a communication anti-pattern where a person asks for help with their chosen solution (Y) instead of explaining their root problem (X). It explains why this happens, the inefficiencies it causes, and provides practical advice on how to identify and avoid it, leading to more effective problem-solving.
Comments
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts!
Browser Extension
Get instant access to AllDevBlogs from your browser
Top of the Week
1
Using Browser Apis In React Practical Guide
Jivbcoop
•
2 votes
2
Better react-hook-form Smart Form Components
Maarten Hus
•
2 votes
3
Top picks — 2026 January
Paweł Grzybek
•
1 votes
4
In Praise of –dry-run
Henrik Warne
•
1 votes
5
Deep Learning is Powerful Because It Makes Hard Things Easy - Reflections 10 Years On
Ferenc Huszár
•
1 votes
6
Vibe coding your first iOS app
William Denniss
•
1 votes
7
AGI, ASI, A*I – Do we have all we need to get there?
John D. Cook
•
1 votes
8
Quoting Thariq Shihipar
Simon Willison
•
1 votes
9
Dew Drop – January 15, 2026 (#4583)
Alvin Ashcraft
•
1 votes