Applying Word Puzzle Logic (Letter Boxed) to Improve Workflow Troubleshooting

[hellenc]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share a fun analogy I’ve found helpful when thinking about complex troubleshooting and flow design in ServiceNow and it comes from a word puzzle called Letter Boxed (from the NYT: 

In Letter Boxed, you’re given 12 letters arranged around a box and must build a chain of words that uses all letters at least once. Each word must start with the last letter of the previous word and can’t repeat letters within the same word. At first glance it seems simple, but it quickly becomes a challenge of strategy and pattern recognition.

What struck me about this puzzle is how similar the mindset is to working with complex workflows:

Mapping Dependencies Just like ensuring each word connects cleanly to the next, we often have to map task dependencies in ServiceNow so that each step flows logically without redundancy.
Avoiding Dead Ends In Letter Boxed, certain letter combinations create dead ends; in our workflows, poorly placed conditions or transitions can do the same. Being intentional about order and linkage is key.
Using All Available Elements The puzzle forces you to use every letter; in ServiceNow we try to use existing tables, fields, and automation where possible before creating something new.

I’ve started approaching some of the trickier workflow challenges like approvals routing and change automation with a similar connect‑all elements mindset. It’s helped me visualize better solutions and catch looping or dead‑end logic earlier.

Question for the community:
Have you ever used a game, analogy, or brain teaser to help with technical thinking or process design? Or has anyone else played Letter Boxed and noticed parallels with how you approach problem solving in ServiceNow?

Would love to hear your thoughts!