The XY problem is a common communication pitfall where someone is asking about an attempted solution (Y) instead of the actual problem they’re trying to solve (X).
I find myself asking about the context often, developed a bit of a spidey sense when someone comes up with a solution and I usually follow up with a "why are you trying to do this? What problem are you trying to solve". At times just pushing for some rubber ducking helps the other person a bunch.
I find myself asking about the context often, developed a bit of a spidey sense when someone comes up with a solution and I usually follow up with a "why are you trying to do this? What problem are you trying to solve". At times just pushing for some rubber ducking helps the other person a bunch.
That makes sense. The opposite (making sure we grasp the context to help someone) is also very important, you're right.