Effectiveness and limitations of applying rubber duck debugging to things other than programming

Rubber duck debugging is an effective debugging method that sounds like a joke.

Bugs (things that don’t work as expected) are common when programming on computers.To solve this bug yourself (debugging), there is a method that sounds like a joke but is very effective: talk to a rubber duck doll.

This method can be used not only for debugging programs, but also for managing your own tasks.First, I will briefly introduce how to do rubber duck debugging.

“Rubber duck debugging” procedure

reference: Rubber Duck Debugging – Rubber Duck Debugging – Debugging software with a rubber ducky

1. Tell the duck doll on the desk that you want to check the program code.
2. Explain line by line how the program code for the duck puppet works.
3. While explaining, I found mistakes (bugs) in the program code.

Notice the difference between what you are explaining to the duck in words and the actual program code.

There are various methods for debugging computer programs, both digital and analog, but the great thing about rubber duck debugging is its simplicity and effectiveness.

If you continue to write complex program code, there is a high possibility that the program will become more and more strange, such as the code not being written appropriately for the function you want to implement, contradictory descriptions, or extremely roundabout processing methods.This seems to be a common occurrence even for good programmers.
This is an effective method not only for creating program code, but also for reviewing your own to-do list and behavior management.

By talking to the duck doll, you can notice mistakes in the program code you are trying to write, and it can also lead to ideas for better ways to create it.
Difficulties arise when we subdivide and optimize what we need to do and what we want to do.
When you look at your list much later, you often find that it is full of contradictions and unreasonableness.

This can be said to be a bug in the ToDo list.A smart and effective way to resolve this situation is to use the rubber duck debugging method, which at first glance may seem like a joke.

How to use “Rubber Duck Debugging” for behavior management

Now, I will show you how to actually use rubber duck debugging to create and maintain to-do lists for your own actions rather than program code.

1. Tell the duck doll what you are going to do today.

Sato(tentative)

Good morning!Duck!I will now explain my tasks for this week!

Explain to the duck doll what each item on your to-do list does.

Sato (temporary)

First of all, for the “jogging” item, my goal is to run 2km along a nearby river and come back, but if I don’t feel like running after I start, I make it okay to come back right away.No matter what, I think it’s important to leave the house and start running.

While explaining, I noticed a problem with the to-do list.

Sato(tentative)

Huh?This task of “writing a proposal” has many subtasks that are quite difficult, such as “researching materials” and “contacting Mr. ○○.”It would be easier to tackle this if it were broken up into parts.

Sato (temporary)

…I explained various things to Duck-chan about what I do, but this is clearly too much.There are many things I want to do, but I think it would be better to prioritize them.

Does talking to “things” make use of the fundamental characteristics of humans?

The effect of speaking out loud to things is simple yet powerful.It is often said that by talking to people, you can notice problems with what you are trying to create and gain good insights by receiving feedback, but talking to inanimate objects can also have a great effect.

If you think about it, rubber duck debugging may be a method that follows a fundamentally good method that humans naturally do.

Children talking to stuffed animals, religion praying to statues of gods

The rubber duck debug method may actually be based on a fundamental mechanism that humans have.

Many young children (even adults?) enjoy expanding their world by talking to stuffed animals and playing with dolls.It is said that this play develops a rich mind, and there is no doubt that it is simply a lot of fun for children.

Also, depending on the religion, it is important to pray and talk to pictures or statues of God.Religion is also said to serve as a framework for our entire lives.For people who value such religions, praying and talking to that god seems to be effective in adjusting their mental state and gaining good thoughts.

Talking to dolls in this way may be a method that leads to adjustment and problem-solving methods that are rooted in the fundamental mechanisms of humans.

When things don’t go well with your to-do list or notebook

When performing rubber duck debugging, there may be some results that can be achieved by talking to a cute duck doll, but it is not something that is always on everyone’s desk.

As an easy method, why not start by displaying an image of your favorite character on your smartphone and talking to it?

Limitations of rubber duck debugging: “It doesn’t talk to me”

By doing this, rubber duck debugging can be expected to be very effective, but it also has weaknesses or limitations.
That’s what the ducks don’t talk about.If you do something, you can expect great results, but people often don’t have the motivation to do it, or they tend to put it off even though they want to do it.

This duck is a very talented duck who sometimes cannot do something even though he knows it will have a big effect, but he won’t talk to you.
Although it is a very effective problem-solving method, the limitation of this method is that it may require a certain amount of strength to take the first step.

Task management partners “speak”

A task management partner solves this problem.
Our task management partner will contact you almost every day via message or call to discuss your current situation.

Since the communication will be from a human, not a doll or machine, it can be expected to have a strong motivating effect.
Rubber duck debugging is definitely a great technique, but if you find it difficult to stick to this habit, consider using a task management partner.

Also check out the YouTube video