Creative and Analytical/LOGICAL reasoning
Reasoning is the process of using existing knowledge to draw conclusions, make predictions, or construct explanations. It can be analytical (logical) or creative or mix of both. Here are the three types of reasoning, which we all use in different proportions, depending upon scenarios and our personality.
Deductive Reasoning: It is an analytical/logical reasoning approach, where we use facts or proven rules to progress from general theory to specific conclusions. As for example, whenever we use any mathematical equations to arrive at a certain conclusion; or reasoning like if A > B and B > C, therefore A > C ; or logics like if I put my finger in fire, it will burn. In all these examples, the conclusion are certain without any doubt. We all use deductive reasoning (consciously or sub-consciously) in our day-to-day personal and professional lives, for taking numerous decisions.
Inductive Reasoning: It is an analytical/logical reasoning approach, where we use historical data, patterns, associations etc. to progress from specific observation to general conclusions. As for example, if most of the people are complaining about the food, the food must be bad; or if an employee is consistently performing bad, he doesn't have required talent; or if price of the product reduces, sales volume increases. In all these examples, the conclusions are probably certain, but not 100%. We all use inductive reasoning (consciously or sub-consciously) in our day-to-day personal and professional lives, for taking numerous decisions. However, inductive reasoning goes wrong when our historical data or sample size is not sufficient, or we fail to consider some other variables. Most of the cognitive biases are also caused due to wrong inductive reasoning.
Abductive Reasoning: It is a creative reasoning approach where you progress from incomplete observation to best predictions, by making assumptions (sometimes wild ones), creating hypotheses and then validating (accepting/rejecting) the same through experiments. Abductive reasoning is used, when the situation or problem is unique and therefore no historical data is available. The scientific discoveries made by scientists, or crime cases solved by detectives, or medical prescriptions given by doctors, uses abductive reasoning. In all these cases, the conclusions are merely the best possible explanation or best prediction. We all use abductive reasoning (consciously or sub-consciously) in our day-to-day personal and professional lives, but in very limited capacity. However, most of the complex and unique problems are solved, and innovations are created, primarily by using abductive reasoning.
The reason 'Design thinking' framework is highly effective in product management and problem-solving, is because it focusses on enhancing the use of 'Abductive Reasoning' ability of the team, to analyze the problem and arrive at the right solution.