Title: Functional Fixedness - Biases & Heuristics | The Decision Lab
Headings: 
Why do we have trouble thinking outside the box?
Functional Fixedness
What is Functional Fixedness?
Where this bias occurs
Individual effects
Systemic effects
Why it happens
Age
Experience
Why it is important
How to avoid it
Abstract the Problem
Draw Inspiration from Unexpected Places
Opinions from Different Disciplines
How it all started
Example 1 - PepsiCo leverages orthopedic experts
Example 2 - Creatively designing power strips
Summary
What it is
Why it happens
Example 1 – PepsiCo leverages orthopedic experts
Example 2 – Creatively designing power strips
How to avoid it

Content: Ironically, the more practice we have with identifying solutions to a problem, the more difficult it is to identify alternative or more creative solutions. 3 Though individuals may be aware that their traditional method of solving a problem may be over-used and ineffective, they are typically still tempted to use the same problem-solving approach, due to their familiarity with it. Why it is important
Problem-solving is a regular part of any individual’s life. Functional fixedness impairs an individual’s ability to innovate and creatively tackle problems by limiting their problem-solving capabilities. Individuals who are aware of functional fixedness can work towards avoiding bias and improving their problem-solving abilities. By consciously working to think innovatively, and better tackle problems in their professional and personal lives, they can strive towards unique and innovative solutions. How to avoid it
As with many cognitive biases, functional fixedness can appear when tackling challenges in many different areas of life. Avoiding functional fixedness requires a conscious effort on the individual’s part towards promoting innovative ways of thinking and problem-solving. Abstract the Problem
The first step to overcoming functional fixedness is done by first developing an awareness of the problem and simplifying it. A practice referred to as “uncommitting,” describes simplifying a challenge and distilling it down to the problem’s essential elements.