treløsninger

Treløsninger is a term used in Norwegian and Danish contexts to describe a problem-solving approach that presents three distinct solutions or components to address a problem. The concept, literally meaning three solutions, is applied in planning, design, engineering, and policy discussions to structure options and facilitate structured evaluation.

Etymology and usage: The word combines tre (three) with løsning (solution). In practice, treløsninger functions as a framework for generating, comparing, and communicating alternatives, rather than as a rigid method with fixed steps. It is used to foster breadth in thinking and to make trade-offs explicit for stakeholders.

How it is used: A typical treløsninger workflow includes defining the problem, proposing three alternative solutions that differ in scope, risk, or cost, evaluating each against criteria such as feasibility, impact, time, and resources, and then selecting one solution or a combination of them. The process may include documenting assumptions, trade-offs, and the rationale behind decisions.

Variants and patterns: Common patterns include a triad of options (conservative, balanced, ambitious) or a three-layer approach (core solution, contingency, and enhancement). Depending on the context, the three solutions can emphasize different priorities, such as reliability, cost-efficiency, or speed to implement.

Advantages and limitations: Tre-løsninger can clarify trade-offs, stimulate creative thinking, and improve communication with stakeholders. Limitations include the risk of anchoring to three options, potentially overlooking other viable alternatives, and oversimplifying complex problems.

Examples: In public policy, three proposed approaches to reduce traffic might include expanded transit, expanded cycling infrastructure, and congestion pricing. In product development, teams might evaluate three architectures with varying levels of complexity and scalability.

See also: decision analysis, multi-criteria decision analysis, option generation.