This chapter presents the inner workings of the Socrates DigitalTM module. It has most of the logic of a Socrates DigitalTM system and describes how processes and subprocesses interact to create Socratic problem solving. A Socrates DigitalTM system allows the user to examine information, assumptions, and concepts in any order. Next, Socrates DigitalTM guides the user in developing a conclusion by applying concepts, using assumptions, and analyzing information. Afterward, Socrates DigitalTM guides the user in predicting the implications of the conclusion and combining all the reasoning into a viewpoint that addresses the question at hand.
TopDefine Problem Process
As Figure 1 shows, Socrates DigitalTM begins with the “Define Problem” process to define the problem that the user persona is trying to solve. Socrates DigitalTM starts this process by asking the user persona, “What can I help you with today?”
Figure 1.
Define Problem Process of the Socrates DigitalTM Module
In the investment example dialog presented in Chapter 3, the user persona asks for help deciding whether to invest in the Rosebud Motel chain. Socrates DigitalTM verifies that this will be the main question that the user persona is aiming to answer.
Next, Socrates DigitalTM questions the user persona to determine the main concept for making the decision. The user persona responds that it needs to know if the investment will boost total revenue enough to pay back the investors. Next, Socrates DigitalTM verifies that this is the central idea to make the decision. After getting a “Yes” from the user persona, Socrates DigitalTM next asks how it relates to the question at hand. The user persona explains that it needs to know if the investment will increase the total revenue for the Rosebud Motel chain so that it can repay the investment at the projected rate of return.
In this investment example dialog, Socrates DigitalTM has identified that this is about determining if this is a good investment and begins to ask questions about the details of the investment. It begins by asking the user persona to identify the projected rate of return for the investment. After the user persona answers that they are offering a 10% rate of return, Socrates DigitalTM goes to the next question and asks, “What is the investment amount?” The user persona responds that the investment amount is three and one-half million dollars. Socrates DigitalTM follows up by asking what the repayment period will be and gets the answer of 5 years from the user persona.
After getting an answer to these questions, Socrates DigitalTM asks the user persona what the investment will be used for. The user persona initially offers a high-level answer that the investment will fund motel renovations and promotional services. However, Socrates DigitalTM asks for more details around the plans for the investment. The user persona then responds that the investment will fund repairs, paint the interior and exterior, staff training on customer service, and create a program with local restaurants and stores to provide gift cards for their services to motel guests.
To ensure that the user persona is aware of any potential conflicts of interest, Socrates DigitalTM asks if the user persona has an interest other than return on investment in the business opportunity. To this question, the user persona answers that there is no vested interest. After completing the “Define Problem” process, program control passes to the “What to Work On?” decision process.
TopWhat To Work On? Decision Process
Continuing with our example of evaluating whether to invest in the Rosebud Motel, Socrates DigitalTM begins the What to Work On? decision process by asking the user persona the question, “Of the following, what would you like to work on?
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Information
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Assumptions
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Concepts