1. James Bach, satisfice.com/blog/archives/462
2. Heuristic
   1. A heuristic is a fallible method of solving a problem or making a decision. - Cem Kaner & James Bach
   2. Excellent Testing requires skilll, heuristic gives structure to that skill.
   3. Heuristics help access our skills under pressure.
      1. It does not replace skill
      2. It makes skill people more productive !
   4. Real world example: Hammer
      1. A Hammer cannot guarantee a solution
      2. Hammer may be critical to skilled carpenter
      3. Hammer may be of little use to an unskilled
      4. Critical Information
         1. How hard to pound
         2. When to stop pounding?
3. Issues with Heuristics
   1. It only "helps" you solve a problem without being a "guarantee"
   2. It must be applied "sapiently" i.e. with skill and care !
4. Wisdom on Methodology & Heuristics
   1. Fundamentally, “methodology” can’t control projects.
   2. Talking about methods, enshrining methods, is only sensible if humans are left in charge !
   3. The heuristic nature of engineering is the reason why a “best practice” is an absurdity.
   4. Seek not the perfect practice. Seek instead to practice your skills.
5. Points to check when someone teaches us a way to solve a problem?
   1. Do they teach you
      1. how to tell if it’s working?
      2. how to tell if it’s going wrong?
      3. heuristics for stopping?
      4. heuristics for knowing when to apply it?
      5. alternative heuristics?
      6. why it works?
   2. Do they help you
      1. understand when it probably works best?
      2. know how to re-design it, if needed?
      3. own it?
      4. practice it?
   3. Do they tell stories about how it has failed?
   4. Do they listen to you when you question or challenge it?
   5. Do they praise you for questioning and challenging it?