Figuring out what to do

Problem solving, goal-first approach, working backwards
* clarifying the problem and goal, separating them from the solution
* detailing how things work
* generating possible solutions
* [then basically move on to decision-making and even evolutionary approach]
evolutionary, available options first, working forwards approach
decision-making, cost-benefit analysis
a word on the words used in this topic:
* many are interchangeable in this abstract level, and the skills will still apply to all of them:
** goal = problem = desire = ends = criteria ...
** solution = plan = means = design ...
* i like to say phrases like "figuring out" because it's accuracy is obvious for a lot more situations than other phrases like "problem solving"