September 05, 2015 / by Jacques Fu

The Rule of Two can be found everywhere.

The Rule of Two is everywhere, obvious once explained, but not always immediately apparent. Bilateral symmetry in the animal kingdom gives us two copies of most organs and appendages. In the security industry, the Two-man rule and Two-factor authentication are relied upon heavily to improve various secure mechanisms. Even, in our science fiction, Star Wars lore had a rule of two. Emperor for Life or death by your apprentice; Either plan would be acceptable and beneficial for the Sith.

While some of these examples may seem contrived it is hard to argue that duality can be applied for beneficial outcomes. Even better if you can come up with a catchy phrase or visualization to drive the point home. For example, the benefits of pairing people has probably been known for centuries but until someone coined the “Buddy System” in more modern times did the concept make its way into schools and even the military Battle Buddy. Again, with the right positioning, practices like Pair Programming are even starting to take off in the business world.

“Two roads diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” - Robert Frost

Two steps is the most effective

The theory is that systems and rules designed in pairs of two are the easiest to consume, recall, and implement. You might think that a one-step rule works better, but since they often lack the function to achieve a variety of objectives, two step systems can be more flexible. Also, because two step rules are limited in size they will be insulated from memory problems such as primacy, recency, and serial position effects.

One-step

• Do all chores when coming home after work.

Multi-step

• Start laundry
• Take out trash
• Bring in mail
• Fold laundry
• Cook dinner
• Wash dishes

Two-step

• Walk from laundry room to mailbox and do chores along the way.
• Ask spouse for additional needs.

Pairs of two make a difference

Two bugs, two people, two categories, two tests, two reasons, two plans,

How do we make this work?

Applying the rule of two is essentially realizing the cardinality that exists in nearly all things. In other words, when you think of something, anything, just add one and it will elevate your critical thinking about what you are trying to achieve because it forces you beyond one dimension. Whether you are designing a new product or planning an activity in the afternoon using the rule of two can provide you with powerful new perspectives.

• Symmetric - Two identical or similar things.
• Diametric - Two opposing things.
• Secondary - An additional thing after the first.

“To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time.” - Leonard Bernstein

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“Innovation is taking two things that already exist and putting them together in a new way.” - Tom Freston