Two Unit Division
When dividing something into fractions is difficult, artificially divide into two units, then further subdivide each until satisfactory. This artificial technique is easier than finding multiple fractions at once and encourages fractionation of a situation.
THE IDEA
Two unit division
Whenever there is difficulty in dividing something into fractions it can be useful to adopt the artificial technique of division into two units or fractions. The two fractions so produced are themselves further divided into two more fractions and so on until one has a satisfactory number of fractions.
This technique is highly artificial and it can mean that several important features are quite overlooked. The advantage is that it is much easier to find two fractions than to find several. It is not a question of dividing something into two equal fractions for any two fractions will do no matter how unequal. Nor do the lines of division have to reveal natural fractions. The fractions may be very artificial and yet be useful.
Applied to the apple picking problem the two unit division might go as follows:
| apple picking problem | apple picking | delicate separate remove transport | damaging damaged finding density hold jerk to ground container |
The supplied table lists labels for the apple-picking exercise, but its flattened layout does not clearly show the successive pairs. The method is to keep dividing selected parts in two, even when the divisions are artificial.
When to use it
When planning a large project, break it into two main phases, then further subdivide each phase.
When analyzing a complex issue, identify two main factors, then explore each factor in detail.
In creative brainstorming, use forced division into two categories to generate new ideas and perspectives.
In problem-solving, artificially dividing the problem space can reveal new approaches that natural divisions might miss.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Apple picking problem
The apple-picking exercise supplies labels involving the apple, picking, removal, damage, and transport. Its table does not clearly preserve the pairwise branching. It illustrates the intention to break a familiar activity into smaller parts, but the exact division sequence cannot be reconstructed from this layout.
Marketing campaign planning
To plan a marketing campaign, one might use two-unit division to split the problem into 'creative strategy' and 'execution logistics'. Each of these can then be further subdivided, e.g., creative strategy into 'messaging' and 'visual identity', and execution into 'channels' and 'budgeting'.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
How can you apply two-unit division to a complex problem you are currently facing?
What are the potential drawbacks of artificially dividing a situation into two parts rather than using natural divisions?
Can you think of a situation where two-unit division might overlook important features of the problem?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Lateral Thinking A Textbook of Creativity (Edward de Bono)