4 June 2006
XY and EA
The XY Problem has been recognised among Perl Monks and perfectly describes a problem we often encounter in Enterprise Architecture (EA). The XY Problem is succinctly stated as:
Someone has a need to do X and believes Y is the best solution. So they ask about Y instead of asking about X.
In the planning phase of a project, architects work with business people to help them find the best solution for their requirements, in the context of the enterprise in which they work. But many people don’t understand EA yet, so customers often come to us with a solution firmly fixed in their minds: “I want one of those. Help me implement it.”
‘XY Problem’ describes the problem perfectly, but it needs a better name. It isn’t about Cartesian geometry. It isn’t about sex chromosomes and transgender issues. Has anyone seen a better name for it?
Maybe “The Andy Effect”. You know, the guy in the wheelchair in Little Britain that says “I want that one. I know but I want that one”.