Heuristic

A heuristic is a practical problem-solving approach that employs a method providing an immediate but not necessarily optimal solution, acting as a mental shortcut. It prioritizes speed and efficiency over accuracy, especially when dealing with complex situations where a perfect solution is unavailable or would take too long. These methods are based on experience, trial-and-error, or intuition and are frequently used in situations involving incomplete data or uncertainty. While heuristics can lead to errors, their benefit lies in allowing quick decision-making and exploration.

Heuristic meaning with examples

• When faced with a challenging programming problem, a developer uses a 'rule of thumb' heuristic, breaking down the problem into smaller, manageable modules. This simplifies the process and allows the developer to incrementally build towards a potential solution, even if it's not initially perfect.
• In sales, a salesperson may employ a 'price anchor' heuristic, initially presenting a high-priced item to make subsequent options seem more affordable. This leverages the consumer's tendency to evaluate choices relative to an initial reference point, and can influence purchasing.
• A doctor uses a 'pattern recognition' heuristic to rapidly diagnose a patient's condition, recognizing familiar symptoms and history, leading to a quicker evaluation and the potential for earlier treatments in time sensitive situations.
• To navigate a new city, a tourist might use a 'search-and-simplify' heuristic, initially exploring a few prominent landmarks and then gradually mapping out their surroundings, improving their spatial understanding even if a precise map is unavailable.