The Unlikely Counsellor: How a Rubber Duck Can Solve More Than Just Coding Problems
In the world of software development, "rubber duck debugging" is a well-loved method that programmers use to solve complex problems. The concept is pretty simple but effective: When the developer has a bug or problem in the application, they explain their software code, line by line, to a rubber duck, in the hopes of finding the problem, by verbalising their thought process.
While it might seem odd, it does actually work, and during my 10 plus years as a software engineer, this quirky method has helped me solve many frustrating problems.
The term "Rubber Duck Debugging" originates from "The Pragmatic Programmer" by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas. While the concept is rooted in software development, its application extends far beyond coding and can help solve a wide range of problems in everyday life and provide a unique way to work through those challenges.
Example
For example, imagine you're trying to decide whether to accept a new job offer or stay with your current employer. You're weighing the pros and cons but can't seem to make up your mind. Traditionally you might have gone to a friend or family member who would have given you some advice on what to do.
Another way to get through the question is grab a rubber duck and start explaining the situation to it.
You begin by outlining the benefits of the new job: better salary, more interesting projects, and a shorter commute. Then, you discuss the advantages of your current position: job security, familiarity with the team, and upcoming opportunities for advancement. As you articulate these points out loud to the rubber duck, you might start to realise what's truly important to you—perhaps the excitement of new challenges outweighs the comfort of the familiar.
By the end of your conversation with the duck, you've not only laid out all the factors clearly but also discovered your own priorities, leading you to a decision that feels right.
How to use it?
Now you don't have to use a rubber duck. It can be any stuffed animal or in fact, any object around you. For example, your mouse, flower vase or your coffee cup. You could also use your cat or dog, but you might get distracted with them, so some silent inanimate toy animal is the best. The main thing is to explain everything to the object as though you are explaining it to someone who knows nothing about the problem.
So why is this technique effective?
First, speaking out loud slows us down and changes how we think. While our brains zip through thoughts at about 800 words per minute, we speak at only 120 words per minute. This slower pace lets us break problems into smaller pieces, revealing new patterns and perspectives we might miss when thinking at full speed.
Second, talking out loud keeps our focus sharp. It prevents our minds from wandering and helps us concentrate on one thing at a time. Research even shows that saying something out loud, like the word "chair," boosts our awareness and brain activity related to that object more than just thinking about it does.
Third, explaining a problem out loud deepens our understanding, a phenomenon known as "the Protégé Effect." When we try to teach a concept to someone else (or a rubber duck), we engage more thoroughly with the material, prompting us to verify our explanations and pay closer attention to details.
Finally, when we're too close to a problem, it's easy to get lost in the details or stuck on incorrect assumptions. By verbally walking through each step of the problem and explaining it to someone else, we can uncover overlooked aspects and reduce biases, helping us see the bigger picture and find solutions more effectively.
Self-Improvement Through Conversation with a Rubber Duck
Talking to a rubber duck isn't just for solving coding problems; it's a surprisingly effective tool for personal development and solving everyday challenges. At its core, the rubber duck technique is about externalising thought processes, making it easier to identify flaws or gaps in logic.
Consider the following examples:
Self-Reflection
Talking about your worries and goals to a rubber duck can make your inner thoughts clearer and more focused. This externalization helps in distilling emotions and thoughts, providing a new perspective on personal challenges. It's akin to journaling, but with immediate feedback, as the act of speaking forces you to listen to your own advice and insights.
Boosting Creativity
If you're stuck creatively, explaining your jumbled ideas to a rubber duck can help sort them out and spark new ones. Whether you're facing writer's block or searching for an inventive solution, using the duck as a sounding board can help clarify your thoughts and inspire new directions.
Improving Communication
Practice makes perfect, especially with speaking and presentation skills. Rehearsing with a rubber duck can fine-tune your ability to share ideas clearly and confidently, helping reduce anxiety and ensuring your message lands as intended.
Learning and Understanding
Explaining complex topics to a rubber duck can deepen your understanding, a strategy known as the Feynman Technique. It forces you to simplify concepts, highlighting areas you might not fully grasp and reinforcing what you do know.
Making Decisions
Faced with a tough choice? Lay out the pros and cons to a rubber duck. This can help organise your thoughts, reduce emotional bias, and lead you to a clearer decision by systematically evaluating your options.
Resolving Conflicts
Before tackling a difficult conversation, try discussing your approach with a rubber duck. It can help clarify your feelings and strategy, potentially leading to a more constructive outcome by preparing you to consider different perspectives.
Enhancing Productivity
Struggling with time management? Talk through your goals and obstacles with a rubber duck. This verbal self-audit can reveal insights into your productivity blockers and help you develop strategies for better prioritising and managing your time.
Delving Deeper with the "Three Whys" Technique
Incorporating the "Three Whys" technique alongside your rubber duck can elevate the problem-solving process to new heights. This method involves asking "why" three times to peel back the layers of a problem and get to its root cause. By combining this with the rubber duck method, you not only articulate what you're thinking but also challenge yourself to dive deeper into understanding the underlying issues.
Here’s how it can unfold:
1. First Why - Surface Level
Begin by stating the problem to your rubber duck and ask, "Why is this happening?" This first question aims to identify the immediate cause of your issue. For instance, if you're feeling stressed about an upcoming project, your first answer might be because you have a tight deadline.
2. Second Why - Underlying Causes
After addressing the first "why," ask again, "Why is this the cause?" This question digs a bit deeper, uncovering the underlying factors. Following the previous example, the second reason might reveal that the tight deadline is due to taking on too much work at once.
3. Third Why - Core Issue
The final "why" aims to get to the root of the problem. Asking "Why did I take on too much work?" might lead you to realise that you have trouble saying no to requests or that you overestimate your capacity.
By engaging with your rubber duck in this introspective dialogue, you're not just exploring the what and the how but also the why behind your challenges. This can lead to more insightful solutions and personal growth, as you're forced to confront and address the core reasons behind your problems.
Being the rubber duck for someone else
You can also play the role of a "Rubber Duck" if another person asks you to help with a particular problem. For example, if a friend comes to you feeling stuck on a personal decision on whether to move to a new city for a job. Instead of rushing to give them advice, take on the role of the rubber duck. Ask them to walk you through their thought process, the pros and cons, and what they're feeling about each option.
More often than not, as they lay out their situation, they'll start to see the answer for themselves. They might realise what's truly important to them or spot a detail they overlooked. And in the end, they might thank you for your 'help,' even though all you did was listen and ask a few guiding questions.
Final Thoughts
The rubber duck method, first used by software engineers, is now a universal problem-solving tool. It helps us think out loud - solving problems, boosting creativity, and understanding ourselves better. So, if you're stuck or facing a tough decision, try talking to a rubber duck. You might be amazed at the simple clarity it brings.