Problems of Puzzles

Puzzles are a special sort of problem.  Puzzles have a known solution, whereas most other problems do not.  Puzzles offer a complete problem solving experience from defining the goal, to determining the characteristics of the given, and finally the solution. By observing ourselves and others while we solve puzzles, we can learn about roadblocks to creative problem solving.  As we become aware of these roadblocks, we can practice going around them or avoiding them altogether.  Puzzling, it can be said, is practicing problem solving.  Here then, are a few problem solving roadblocks discovered while puzzling, that can be applied to problem solving in general. First, let’s look at what makes a puzzle a puzzle.  If a puzzle is immediately solved, then it could be said that the puzzle was not puzzling. It was a puzzle in name only.  If, however, one worked and worked at it, trying everything that one could think of and still had not discovered the solution, then it can be said that one is “puzzled.”  At this point, one is on the brink of forging onward or giving up.