You are a helpful assistant generating synthetic data that captures *System 1* and *System 2* thinking, *creativity*, and *metacognitive reflection*. Follow these steps in sequence, using tags [sys1] and [end sys1] for *System 1* sections and [sys2] and [end sys2] for *System 2* sections.

1. *Identify System 1 and System 2 Thinking Requirements:*
   - Carefully read the text.
   - Identify parts of the text that require quick, straightforward responses (*System 1*). Mark these sections with [sys1] and [end sys1].
   - Identify parts that require in-depth, reflective thinking (*System 2*), marked with [sys2] and [end sys2].

2. *Apply Step-by-Step Problem Solving with Creativity and Metacognitive Reflection for System 2 Sections:*

   *2.1 Understand the Problem:*
   - Objective: Fully comprehend the issue, constraints, and relevant context.
   - Reflection: "What do I understand about this issue? What might I be overlooking?"
   - Creative Perspective: Seek hidden patterns or possibilities that could reveal deeper insights or innovative connections.

   *2.2 Analyze the Information:*
   - Objective: Break down the problem logically.
   - Reflection: "Am I considering all factors? Are there any assumptions that need challenging?"
   - Creative Perspective: Explore unique patterns or overlooked relationships in the data that could add depth to the analysis.

   *2.3 Generate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Propose at least 10 hypotheses, each with a Confidence Score (0.0 to 1.0) and Creative Score (0.0 to 1.0), reflecting originality, surprise, and utility.
   - Reflection: "Have I explored all possible explanations or approaches, both conventional and unconventional?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider novel angles that might provide unexpected insights.

   *2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:*
   - Objective: Make predictions, accounting for potential outcomes and obstacles.
   - Reflection: "What challenges might I face? Is my plan flexible for different scenarios?"
   - Creative Perspective: Visualize unforeseen outcomes and adapt plans to make use of them effectively.

   *2.5 Evaluate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Assess hypotheses based on feasibility, risk, and potential impact.
   - Evaluation: Refine Confidence and Creative Scores as needed.
   - Reflection: "Am I unbiased in my assessment? Which options fit best with the overall objectives?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify hidden opportunities or overlooked details in each hypothesis.

   *2.6 Select the Best Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Choose the most promising, strategic hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Why does this hypothesis stand out? How does it uniquely address the issue?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider any underutilized potential in the selected approach.

   *2.7 Implement the Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Outline actionable steps for testing the hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Is this plan practical? What resources or preparation are required?"
   - Creative Perspective: Refine steps to maximize effectiveness and yield unexpected benefits.

   *2.8 Monitor and Review Progress:*
   - Objective: Review progress, noting areas for improvement.
   - Reflection: "What’s working well? What could be improved?"
   - Creative Perspective: Look for emerging patterns that could refine future approaches.

   *2.9 Reflect and Capture Insights:*
   - Objective: Summarize lessons learned and insights gained for future reference.
   - Reflection: "What new understanding has emerged from this process?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify innovative insights or patterns that could be applied to similar challenges.

3. *Generate Text Output with Interleaved System 1 and System 2 Responses:*
   - Use the tags [sys1] and [sys2] throughout.
   - Aim for a lengthier, detailed response. Combine both direct, straightforward *System 1* insights and reflective, deeply analytical *System 2* segments to capture a blend of quick observations and thoughtful analysis.

---

### *Example Input Text:*

You are tasked with analyzing a sudden shift in customer preferences in a tech market. There has been a noticeable decline in demand for physical devices, with customers increasingly interested in digital-only options. The challenge is to understand this shift, generate hypotheses for why it might be occurring, and explore potential strategies for adapting to this new trend.

---

### *Processed Output with System 1 and System 2 Thinking:*

The tech market is experiencing a shift in customer demand, moving away from physical devices toward digital-only options.

[sys1]
Customer demand has shifted from physical devices to digital-only options.
We need to understand why this change is happening and find strategies to address it.
Key factors may include cost, convenience, and technological trends.
[end sys1]

[sys2]
**2.1 Understand the Problem:**
The goal is to understand the underlying reasons for the shift in demand from physical devices to digital-only options, then develop a strategy to adapt.

*Reflection:* 
"I understand that preferences are changing, but what might be driving this? Is it primarily cost, or are there other factors such as convenience or sustainability?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could there be a larger trend in digital minimalism or a preference for eco-friendly solutions that we’re missing? What unseen motivations might explain this shift?"

**2.2 Analyze the Information:**
There are multiple possible factors driving this shift, from economic influences to cultural shifts. It’s essential to isolate each factor and understand its impact.

*Reflection:* 
"Am I fully considering the various economic and social influences? Could there be a technological factor, like better internet speeds, that makes digital-only products more accessible?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Are there patterns or trends in other markets that could shed light on this shift? Could this be part of a larger trend toward virtual experiences?"

**2.3 Generate Hypotheses:**
1. Customers prefer digital options due to lower costs. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.4)
2. There’s a growing trend toward minimalism and reduced physical clutter. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.7)
3. Digital products offer greater flexibility and ease of use. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
4. Environmental concerns are pushing consumers away from physical goods. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.8)
5. Advances in tech make digital-only options more functional. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.5)
6. Pandemic-era remote work increased demand for digital solutions. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.6)
7. Media coverage of the environmental impact of physical devices affects preferences. (Confidence: 0.5, Creative: 0.7)
8. There’s an increase in global digital literacy, expanding market access. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
9. Customers view digital as more convenient and scalable for future needs. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.5)
10. Younger consumers prefer the aesthetics and convenience of digital products. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)

*Reflection:* 
"Have I considered all possible influences? Are there any surprising factors that could explain this shift?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could specific social trends, like the rise of influencer culture or digital-first lifestyles, be influencing customer choices?"

**2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:**
*Objective:* Anticipate possible challenges, such as resistance from segments still preferring physical products.

*Reflection:* 
"What market obstacles might we face if we shift our focus to digital-only? Are there sub-segments that still prioritize physical products?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could expanding digital options help us reach a more global audience? Are there emerging trends that we could leverage in our strategy?"

[end sys2]

[sys1]
To address this shift, consider a strategy that incorporates both digital-only offerings and educational campaigns about the benefits of digital solutions.
Use insights from customer feedback and current trends to guide product development.
Focus on flexibility and adaptation to cater to different customer segments.
[end sys1]


Q:

Autofilter and display rows based on the xlOR criterions from 2 columns?

I am looking to display rows where Column L = "ABC" as well as display rows where Column AA <> "DEF". I tried,
Cells.AutoFilter Field:=12, Criteria1:="ABC", Operator:=xlOr, 
                 Field:=28, Criteria1:="<>DEF"

, but seems this only displays rows where its L column is "ABC". However, I want to show the union of rows where either its column L is "ABC", or its column AA is not "DEF". Where have I done wrong?

A:

TL;DR: For the quickest method to implement and understand, scroll down to the second option with the 'helper' column.
Come back to explore the other methods when you have time to match new techniques to your particular situation and maximize efficiency.

As mentioned in comments, the xlOr operator in the Range.AutoFilter Method does not work across multiple fields; only for a single field. As I see it, you have at least five options.

Option 1: Advanced Filter method
Set up an area for the Advanced Filter criteria. In the following, I've used AC1:AD3. Advanced Filter OR criteria goes on successive rows.
               Sample data with Advanced Filter criteria area
As code:
    Dim crit As Range
    With Worksheets("Sheet1")
        If .AutoFilterMode Then .AutoFilterMode = False
        .Range("AC1:AD1") = Array(.Range("L1").Value, .Range("AA1").Value)
        .Range("AC2") = "ABC"
        .Range("AD3") = "<>DEF"
        Set crit = .Range("AC1:AD3")
        With .Cells(1, 1).CurrentRegion
            .AdvancedFilter Action:=xlFilterInPlace, _
                            CriteriaRange:=crit, Unique:=False
        End With
    End With

Option 2: .AutoFilter on 'helper' column with worksheet formula
A 'helper' column is an easy method to make multiple determinations. Put a simple formula that resolves to TRUE/FALSE based on your multiple criteria (e.g. =OR($L2="ABC",$AA2<>"DEF")) into an unused column and .AutoFilter on that column.
               Sample data showing worksheet formula in 'Helper' column
As code:
    With Worksheets("Sheet1")
        If .AutoFilterMode Then .AutoFilterMode = False
        With .Cells(1, 1).CurrentRegion
            With .Resize(.Rows.Count - 1, 1).Offset(1, .Columns.Count)
                .Formula = "=OR($L2=""ABC"",$AA2<>""DEF"")"
            End With
        End With
        With .Cells(1, 1).CurrentRegion
            .AutoFilter Field:=.Columns.Count, Criteria1:="TRUE"
            'clean up the 'helper' column and refresh the last_cell afterwards
            If False Then
                .Columns(.Columns.Count).EntireColumn.Delete
                .Parent.UsedRange
            End If
        End With
    End With

Keep the formula as simple as possible. Remember to remove the 'helper' column and refresh the xlCellTypeLastCell property after you have finished working with the filtered results.

Option 3: .AutoFilter on Conditional Formatting rule
The same logic as the 'helper' column solution can be applied through a Conditional Formatting rule and .AutoFilter can filter on a color applied to matching rows.
               Sample data showing Conditional Formatting rule
As code:
    With Worksheets("Sheet1")
        If .AutoFilterMode Then .AutoFilterMode = False
        With .Cells(1, 1).CurrentRegion
            With .Resize(.Rows.Count - 1, .Columns.Count).Offset(1, 0)
                .FormatConditions.Add Type:=xlExpression, _
                                      Formula1:="=OR($L2=""ABC"",$AA2<>""DEF"")"
                .FormatConditions(.FormatConditions.Count).SetFirstPriority
                .FormatConditions(1).Font.Color = vbRed
            End With
            .AutoFilter Field:=1, _
                        Criteria1:=vbRed, Operator:=xlFilterFontColor
            With .Resize(.Rows.Count - 1, .Columns.Count).Offset(1, 0)
                .FormatConditions(1).Delete
            End With
        End With
    End With

The obvious benefit here is that there is no column of formulas to 'clean up'.

Option 4: using a Scripting.Dictionary object on a column with unique values
If you have a column that contains unique values, loop through the rows comparing your criteria to the values in column L and AA. If they match, record the value from the unique column in a Scripting.Dictionary's keys and use the keys as an array of criteria.
               Sample data showing Conditional Formatting rule
As code:
    Dim d As Long, dict As Object
    Set dict = CreateObject("Scripting.Dictionary")

    With Worksheets("Sheet1")
        If .AutoFilterMode Then .AutoFilterMode = False
        With .Cells(1, 1).CurrentRegion
            For d = 2 To .Rows.Count
                If LCase(.Cells(d, "L")) = "abc" Or LCase(.Cells(d, "AA")) <> "def" Then _
                    dict.Add Key:=CStr(.Cells(d, "A").Text), Item:=vbNullString
            Next d
            With .Columns(1)
                .AutoFilter Field:=1, Criteria1:=dict.keys, Operator:=xlFilterValues
            End With
        End With
    End With

    dict.RemoveAll: Set dict = Nothing

This may seem like a lot of work compared to the other methods but it is ultimately faster for large blocks of data with complicated criteria¹.

Option 5: pseudo-AutoFilter with the Range.Hidden property on the Range.EntireRow property
This may be the simplest solution. Simply loop through the rows comparing the criteria against column L and AA. Gather the rows that do not match with the Union method and apply the Range.Hidden property on the collection of Range.EntireRow properties.
               Sample data rows to receive the Range.Hidden property adjustment
As code:
    Dim d As Long, rng As Range

    With Worksheets("Sheet1")
        If .AutoFilterMode Then .AutoFilterMode = False
        With .Cells(1, 1).CurrentRegion
            .EntireRow.Hidden = False
            For d = 2 To .Rows.Count
                If (LCase(.Cells(d, "L").Value2) <> "abc" And _
                    LCase(.Cells(d, "AA").Value2) = "def") Then
                    If rng Is Nothing Then
                        Set rng = .Rows(d)
                    Else
                        Set rng = Union(rng, .Rows(d))
                    End If
                End If
            Next d
            rng.EntireRow.Hidden = True
        End With
    End With

Remember that you have to reverse the criteria since you plan to hide the rows that do not match. The implied caveat here is that you need to select the Range.CurrentRegion property and unhide the rows to remove the imitation filter.

Results:
Any of the five methods detailed above should produce results similar to the following.
               Results after applying any of the filtering methods

¹ See Can AutoFilter take both inclusive and non-inclusive wildcards from Dictionary keys? for examples of complex multiple criteria using a Scripting.Dictionary as arrayed criteria for the Range.AutoFilter Method