Raph Koster - fun is the chemical reward of learning

Brains identify patterns and solve problems

Problem solving

Sternberg - Problem solving follows a sequence while the problem and solution vary

  1. Initial state

    The attributes that present the problem and obstruct the goal

  2. Operations

    The actions that change those attributes

  3. Meta State

    The attributes necessary to overcome the problem

Puzzle example

  1. Scrambled pieces
  2. Flip, rotate, connect pieces
  3. Creating the picture

Types of problems

Closed ended - 1 or only a defined number of solutions

Open ended - Undefined number of solutions

DeBono - Design in reverse

  1. Meta state - What attributes are necessary for the goal

  2. Operations - What actions can change the attributes