40 inventive principles / #23
#23 Feedback
What it says
- Add feedback to improve a process or action.
- If there is feedback already, change its size or influence.
Examples
- Software
- Alerting on error rates; canary deploys that roll back on bad metrics.
- Business
- Net promoter surveys after each support case.
- Engineering
- A thermostat controlling a heater.
- Everyday life
- A fitness tracker that nudges you to move.
Where the matrix suggests it
The classic contradiction matrix suggests Feedback in 35 of its 1,248 filled cells. Most often for these conflicts:
- Improving Area of stationary object worsens Extent of automation
- Improving Stability of the object's composition worsens Productivity
- Improving Use of energy by moving object worsens Stress or pressure
- Improving Extent of automation worsens Length of stationary object
- Improving Extent of automation worsens Loss of energy
- Improving Use of energy by moving object worsens Quantity of substance
- Improving Loss of energy worsens Device complexity
- Improving Loss of information worsens Productivity