How “Old School” AI Can Guide Your Business Decisions

The Power of Pathfinding in Work and Technology

Have you ever faced a complex decision at work, unsure of the best path forward? In both technology and business, navigating uncertainty is a critical skill. One of the most powerful frameworks for solving these kinds of challenges comes from an unexpected source: pathfinding algorithms like A*.

Originally designed for robotics and AI, A* is widely used in navigation, game development and real-world logistics. But its principles: efficiency, adaptability and strategic decision-making can also help individuals and businesses navigate complex challenges, optimise workflows and achieve success.

“A* finds the most optimal path from a starting point to a target by using a cost function..:”

The A* Search Algorithm - Blending Efficiency and Precision

The A* (A-star) search algorithm was first introduced in 1968 by Peter Hart, Nils Nilsson and Bertram Raphael at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI). The algorithm was developed as an extension of Dijkstra’s algorithm with a heuristic component, enabling it to find the shortest path more efficiently. Over the decades, A* has become essential for applications ranging from video game AI to autonomous systems and real-world navigation technologies.

How A* Works

A* finds the most optimal path from a starting point to a target by using a cost function:

f(n)=g(n)+h(n)

where:

• g(n) represents the cost from the start node to node.

• h(n) estimates the cost from node to the goal (a heuristic function).

• f(n) is the estimated total cost of the path through node.

The algorithm prioritises nodes with the lowest f(n) value, ensuring both efficiency and accuracy in decision-making.

graph TD;

   A(Start) -->|5| B(Node 1)

    B -->|3| C(Node 2)

    C -->|4| D(Goal)

    A -->|6| E(Node 3)

    E -->|2| F(Node 4)

    F -->|5| D

    B -->|7| G(Node 5)

    G -->|3| H(Node 6)

    H -->|4| D

    style A fill:#ffcccc,stroke:#ff0000,stroke-width:2px;

    style D fill:#ccffcc,stroke:#00ff00,stroke-width:2px;

A* in Action: Python Implementation**

import heapq

def heuristic(a, b):

    return abs(a[0] - b[0]) + abs(a[1] - b[1])

def a_star_search(graph, start, goal):

    open_list = []

    heapq.heappush(open_list, (0, start))

    came_from = {}

    g_score = {node: float('inf') for node in graph}

    g_score[start] = 0

    f_score = {node: float('inf') for node in graph}

    f_score[start] = heuristic(start, goal)

    while open_list:

        _, current = heapq.heappop(open_list)

        if current == goal:

            path = []

            while current in came_from:

                path.append(current)

                current = came_from[current]

            path.append(start)

            path.reverse()

            return path

        for neighbour in graph[current]:

            tentative_g_score = g_score[current] + graph[current][neighbour]

            if tentative_g_score < g_score[neighbour]:

                came_from[neighbour] = current

                g_score[neighbour] = tentative_g_score

                f_score[neighbour] = g_score[neighbour] + heuristic(neighbour, goal)

                heapq.heappush(open_list, (f_score[neighbour], neighbour))

    return None

How Can you Apply Pathfinding Thinking to Business

Drawing from Modu’s pathfinding principles, pathfinding can also serve as a strategic mindset for solving business and career challenges.

Double-Loop Learning: Improving Decisions Over Time

A* constantly refines its path as it explores new options. Similarly, professionals and businesses must embrace double-loop learning, where they not only correct mistakes but also rethink their fundamental assumptions. This approach ensures continuous growth and better long-term decisions.

Endless Flexibility: Adapting to Change

A* dynamically adjusts based on new information, much like agile teams adapt to shifting business conditions. In the same way A* recalculates optimal paths when encountering obstacles, professionals must be able to pivot their strategies in response to changing goals, industry trends and unexpected challenges.

Planning for Any Eventuality: Strategic Foresight

A* evaluates multiple paths before choosing the best one. This mirrors the need for businesses and professionals to plan for different scenarios, mitigate risks and have contingency strategies in place.

Smart Resource Allocation: Prioritisation and Efficiency

A* optimises the shortest path to a goal while minimising unnecessary exploration. Similarly, effective professionals and businesses allocate resources (time, money, energy) strategically, focusing on high-value opportunities while avoiding distractions.

Call to action: Discover how your business can benefit from Pathfinding

Real-World Applications

• Game AI: A* is widely used in video game development for NPC movement and decision-making.

• Autonomous Vehicles: Self-driving cars leverage A* for real-time navigation.

• Path Finders: Exceptional talent in business can move the company, products or projects towards real outcomes even when venturing into unknown territory or untrodden paths using these principles .

Navigating Work and Life with an A* Mindset

Just as A* finds the best possible path in a complex network, professionals in a modern tech company must navigate challenges, uncertainties and decisions efficiently. This requires:

• Strategic decision-making: Balancing short-term feasibility with long-term success.

• Adaptive problem-solving: Adjusting to shifting goals and challenges.

• Resource optimisation: Maximising productivity and impact with minimal waste.

By embracing pathfinding thinking, individuals and businesses can chart the most effective course to success. Whether optimising a work project, or solving a business challenge, pathfinding offers a powerful blueprint for navigating complexity with confidence.

Conclusion

Pathfinding is more than just an algorithm, it’s a mindset. By applying its principles to problem-solving, decision-making and strategic planning, businesses and professionals can work smarter, adapt faster and achieve better outcomes.

In a world full of uncertainties, the best path forward isn’t always obvious but with the mindset and approach, you can navigate any challenge.

What’s Your Path?

How do you approach decision-making and problem-solving in your work or business? Have you ever applied pathfinding thinking in your career?