A preteen boy has always dreamed of making his own video game. He is hard at work on this project when he finds himself stuck on a tricky problem. Seeking help, he turns to his mother, a skilled coder. As the boy describes the difficulty he is encountering, the solution dawns on him. He fixes the issue himself.
Pixel Dreams co-founder Lannie—the mother in the story—related this encounter to us during her fireside chat about Identifying the Right Problem. This was the latest installment of our FRIducation speaker series at Pixel Dreams HQ on Friday, March 15.
Read on to discover the Rubber Duck Debugging Theory, and how to make it work for you.
The Rubber Ducky Debugging Theory
The approach to problem-solving that Lannie witnessed in her son is a common practice among programmers. It’s called the Rubber Ducky Debugging Theory.
When a programmer is stuck on a problem, explaining the issue to someone else (or to an inanimate object) can help unlock a solution. An example would be hitting a wall when debugging some code, then describing the obstacle in as much detail as possible—to a rubber ducky.
The Rubber Ducky Debugging Theory emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of a problem before attempting to solve it.
Keeping thoughts to yourself can trap you in a maze of overthinking. By sharing them—whether with another person or an object—you free up mental space for deeper processing. Articulating your ideas aloud helps you view challenges from new perspectives, sidestepping your blindspots to discover more effective solutions.
When trying to solve stubborn problems, seek a trusted confidant — a family member, a colleague, or a synthetic duck. The simple act of giving voice to your struggles can help relieve the stress and anxiety associated with them.
Where our challenges originate
Many of our challenges don’t originate with the problem itself but from a lack of understanding of its context. Instead of rushing to an ill-considered fix, take time to fully comprehend the issue. A superficial grasp of the problem can lead to misguided efforts. By prioritizing thoughtful analysis, you’ll see the challenges more clearly, ensuring that the solutions address the cause.
Frequently, failure isn’t the result of a wrong solution being applied to the right problem, but of a right solution being applied to the wrong problem.
Lannie taught the assembled PDT about The Rubber Duck Debugging Theory, and encouraged us to implement it immediately. She presented a box of rubber duck toys, with an array of accessories, and invited everyone to adopt a duck. Dressed in hats, gold chains, sunglasses, and headphones, these ducks are now ubiquitous in our downtown Toronto HQ. Their presence is a constant reminder to talk through our challenges. Whether chatting to the duck or a colleague, this act helps us clear our thoughts and be more aware of our missteps. It emphasizes the importance of defining problems clearly and pausing to reflect before rushing to a resolution.
CALM DOWN
and
TALK TO A DUCK
