Range

As someone who has a wide variety of interests, I feel as though it is becoming increasingly difficult to fit in a world of specialization. My major, Interactive Media and Business, is quite general. It encompasses technology and business but does not necessarily specialize in one or the other. With Range, Epstein suggests that in certain situations having a multidisciplinary background can be highly beneficial, even more so than hyperspecialization. He claims that in wicked scenarios, one where rules and outcomes are not so clearly defined, hyperspecialization can be a detriment as people rely on what is familiar, even if it doesn’t work. In these cases, those with a broader background can connect disparate fields, mindsets, and ideas to create something that would not have been thought of otherwise.

“In the wicked world, with ill-defined challenges and few rigid rules, range can be a life hack”

The book focuses on problems. However, in the past, I’ve used my range as a way to create better solutions even if the problem was solved already. For example, when creating a decision tree for a game (Z-Force Genesis), I could’ve just given them a spreadsheet or document. Instead, I used Figma to create a decision tree that would be easy to navigate with the use of visuals. In addition, it also helped me create it more quickly just because the software was better suited for my purposes.

But coming up with solutions using range doesn’t always entail using different tools. What I believe is highly important is being able to utilize different mindsets. Epstein talks about this further by showing that people can get so attached to a single mindset and procedure that it can have dire consequences when a situation calls for them to abandon it. For example, firefighters will cling to their equipment when running away from a fire because that’s what has been ingrained in their minds. Even when discarding equipment would allow them to get to safety, they would often perish without even thinking about it. This rigid way of thinking is useful for what Epstein calls a “kind” world, where situations are extremely similar to something they’ve practiced or experienced before. However, when an unfamiliar situation arises these rigid protocols can be ineffective, if not detrimental.

You’ve heard it from countless people, but the pandemic is indeed an unprecedented situation. While my future is still unknown, I hope that my versatility and adaptability can be a selling point, not a concern.