The Asymmetric theory (AT) proposes that the solution to real life problems can only be reached after careful identification of the subdimensions of that problem first and after deciding to what extend those subdimensions contribute to the solution of the problem.
As expected, this necessitates a thorough review of the problem and its subdimensions. Let’s take the hair loss problem as an example. It is sometimes thought by people that hair loss problem can be solved only with natural oils/serums supporting hair stems nutritionally. However, according to the AT, hair loss problem cannot be solved without bringing some important elements in the right amounts together. In order to do this, the potential sources of the problem should be identified by analysing the problem in detail. For the hair loss example, in order to solve the problem, we can say that one needs a life with less stress, a balanced diet, support from natural oils, support from hair serums, support from a high quality hair Shampoo, some time and patience. These are illustrated in the Figure 1 below.
Figure 1. Subdimensions of Hair Loss Problem
As can be seen in Figure 1, solution to the hair loss problem is not unidimensional. It has some subdimensions. The AT proposes that this problem can only be solved by adding such subdimensions with the right amount into the equation. In the hair loss example, stress level is depicted as the subdimension with the highest impact on the solution. This may mean that without managing the stress level skillfully, the problem cannot be solved even if all other subdimensions are put together in the right amounts. Similarly, it may also mean that depending on the weight of the subdimension on the proposed solution, even not being patient can make one unsuccessful even if the stress level is managed, or a healthy diet is followed etc.
According to the AT, each subdimension should also be carefully studied and their internal equation should be set as well. Let’s take the natural oils subdimension as an example. Let’s suppose that one uses the appropriate natural oils to support their hair growth. However, according to the AT, just selecting the correct oil support will not also be sufficient. This part of the problem should also be studied asymmetrically in detail. For example, there may be oils that should be used only at night or maybe after meals? Or there may be some oils specifically stimulating the tiny hair on the head during the first phases of the hair growth? Or may there may be some oils to support the hair growth during the later phases of hair growth? Therefore, all such details should be thought carefully as well. As a result, we can divide the oil subdimension of the hair loss problem into further subdimensions like time to apply the oil (morning, night), type of the oil (Bitter almond, argan, castor oils etc. ), function (stimulator, thickener etc), accompaniment (What goes well with what), and personal characteristics. In this way, one can decide what combination of oils should go well at what time of the day for which person. The personal characteristics can be added as a subdimension here as the treatment should be personalized and unique to the individual. For example, if the person has high biotin levels, a treatment high in biotin would not work for that person. Therefore, personal characteristics may be the main subdimension by the help of which other subdimensions can be finetuned. Figure 2 illustrates this example.
Figure 2. Subdimensions of Natural oils subdimension of the hair loss problem
As this is just a non-scientific example to introduce the AT, the levels depicted in Figure 2 may not look meaningful to some professionals because the impact levels of the subdimensions can only be determined after extensive scientific studies/observations or on expert opinion. The more details that are taken into account the more better solution can be developed in most situations. However, this approach may not be practical in some situations. Practicality should always be on the table. Finding 5 or 6 dominant variables on an issue explaining the variance more than 65% (as accepted in statistical research) may be adequate to solve most of the problems.
When the subdimensions of a problem are studied adequately and their contribution levels are determined as a result, this means that a unique key to solve the problem is obtained. Figure 3 illustrates this Key Metaphor of the AT.
Figure 3. Key Metaphor of the Asymmetric Theory
As it is known, each lock has a unique key and each is designed with curves cut in a unique combination. For this reason, the key metaphor lays in the core of the Asymmetric Theory because AT sees each real life problem as unique and suggests that a unique key should be created for each and every problem in life to find the ultimate solution to them.
Asymmetric Theory 