Focusing on problem vs. Focusing on solution

Problem Addressed

When Russia and USA began the launch of astronauts into space, they found out that the pens wouldn't work at zero gravity (Ink won't flow down to the writing surface).

American-style Approach

In order to solve this problem, NASA hired Andersen Consulting. It took them one decade and $12 million. They developed a pen that worked at zero gravity, upside down, underwater, in practically any surface including crystal and in a temperature range from below freezing to over 300 degrees C.

Russian-style Approach

Russian astronauts used a pencil.

Breakthrough Thinker