Mastering the Game of Problem-Solving
How to Leverage the Core Design Loop
A Winning Formula
I stared at the two trophies on our hotel room dresser and shook my head, smiling in utter joy and disbelief. My teammate and closest friend Rob Dougherty and I had just finished first place and second place in one of the biggest Magic events of the year, Pro Tour Houston 2002. Our other teammate, Darwin Kastle, finished third, taking home $65,000 collectively. We took down 350 of the top players in the world in one of the most dominant performances in the history of Magic: the Gathering. Or frankly, of any game ever. At the end of the Swiss rounds of competition, we were at the top of the rankings, crushing all opposition. In the top 8 single-elimination competition, we won every match without losing a single game to anyone but each other. We had different decks and playstyles but a shared system for building an incredible outcome.
For months prior, we gathered in Boston at Rob’s “Your Move Games” store almost every day. I trudged through the snow to enter the musty room, filled to the brim with board games, packs of cards, and the regulars whose chairs seemed to mold to their shape over the years. It smelled like a cross between my grandmother’s attic and day-old fast food. I barely noticed any of it. Each day, our team would immerse ourselves in the game, reviewing each other’s plays like grandmasters discussing a chess match. We critiqued card selection, play timing, and even how we positioned cards in our hands so as not to give away information. We would rewind turns and replay them to see what different outcomes might happen. Long after the store closed, we would continue our debates over dinner or a late-night Denny’s, where play would continue until the light of the sun scattered us like cockroaches.
Each of us was assigned a specific deck strategy to test, and we optimized those decks not for personal victory but for a shared goal: discovering the best strategies and perfecting our execution. Though we didn’t realize it then, we were building a framework—a structured, repeatable process for tackling new and unpredictable challenges. Today, I know this framework as the Core Design Loop.
Before digging into the Core Design Loop, it’s important to understand the types of problems it’s best suited for by examining the two different types: solved problems and novel problems.
Solved vs. Novel Problems
Most challenges we face are solved problems—issues where others have already encountered, addressed, and refined effective solutions. While these problems aren’t necessarily easy, they don’t require creativity to solve. For example, running a marathon is a solved problem; you don’t need to invent new training methods to complete it. While some routines might suit you better than others, unless your goal is to become a world-class runner, following a tried-and-true plan is usually the best approach.
Solved problems emphasize implementation and consistency over discovery. If you want to learn a language, cook chicken cordon bleu, or repair your lawn mower, find someone who has succeeded, follow their approach, and focus on sticking to it. Consistency is more valuable here than optimization; if you struggle, focus on building effective habits rather than reinventing solutions.
Novel problems, however, arise when no clear solution exists. These unique challenges—like starting a company, writing a book, or designing a game—require investment in the creative process. For novel problems, the Core Design Loop becomes essential, providing a framework to iterate and refine solutions until you reach a satisfactory outcome. In these cases, consistently applying the wrong solution can lead you further off course, making flexibility vital.
Imagine solved problems as a well-lit, paved road with clear signs; whether you walk, run, or crawl, you’ll eventually reach your destination. Novel problems, by contrast, are like navigating a dark forest. Moving in random directions can lead you deeper into confusion. Here, the Core Design Loop serves as your compass, helping you orient, explore options, and steadily find your way out of the darkness.
The Core Design Loop
This loop is a simple, six-step process to address novel problems. From launching a business to planning a family vacation, the Core Design Loop guides you through uncertainty, refining your approach with each iteration:
Inspiration - Define your desired outcome.
Parameters - Set constraints for your project.
Brainstorming - Explore potential ideas within your limits.
Prototyping - Test a selected idea.
Testing - Gather feedback.
Iteration - Refine based on feedback, repeating the cycle as needed.
For game designers, the Core Design Loop is essential for transforming abstract ideas into refined mechanics and unforgettable experiences. In my book, Think Like a Game Designer, this process is broken down into practical, in-depth lessons. It’s also a recurring topic on my podcast, in many articles, and as the focus of my course, where I explore its application specifically for game design. Yet, anyone dedicated to mastering its principles will find that their lives improve, as it provides a pathway for solving seemingly insurmountable creative problems in every aspect of life.
Example: Using the Loop for Everyday Challenges
The Core Design Loop isn’t limited to games or professional goals; it’s effective for everyday problems too. Consider planning a family vacation:
Inspiration
Envision a trip with meaningful family bonding and lifelong memories, filled with activities you’ll all enjoy.Parameters
Define your timeframe (one week) and budget ($5,000).Brainstorming
List potential destinations and activities, from scuba diving in Hawaii to seeing the Northern Lights in Alaska.Prototyping
Sketch a rough itinerary for the week, laying out possible activities and logistics.Testing
Check that the plans fit within the budget and get feedback from your family to gauge interest.Iteration
If scuba gear is too expensive, switch to snorkeling; if someone dislikes the cold, consider a warmer destination. Refine the itinerary until it aligns with everyone’s preferences.This loop of refinement ensures each decision is better than the last, avoiding potential issues before they arise and ultimately leading to a satisfying outcome.
Example: Using the Loop to Write a Book
The Core Design Loop can be an invaluable tool in guiding an art project, such as writing a book, from the initial idea to a polished manuscript.
Inspiration
Start with the core idea or message you want your book to convey—whether it’s an emotional journey, a how-to book, or an escape into another world.Parameters
Define your genre and target audience. Set a timeline or word count goals to give the project structure and keep yourself on track.Brainstorming
Depending on the type of book, explore ideas for the plot, main themes, lessons, and key characters. Consider how each element can align with your core message, and map out an outline to give the book direction.Prototyping
Write the first few chapters or create sample scenes that explore the main ideas that inspired the book. Test out the voice, pacing, and tone to see how well they fit the book’s vision.Testing
Share your draft with beta readers or a writing group to get feedback on what resonates and what could be improved. Listen for suggestions on clarity, pacing, and emotional impact.Iteration
Refine your manuscript based on feedback, adjusting plot points, character arcs, or style to better align with your vision. Repeat the process until each chapter builds toward the experience you want readers to have.By following this loop, each draft becomes more polished and cohesive, ensuring that your book fulfills your initial inspiration while also evolving through feedback and refinement.