inversion

name	inversion
description	Use inversion to solve problems by reasoning backward from failure, bad outcomes, or the opposite of success. Use when identifying risks, running premortems, or escaping overly idealized thinking.
license	MIT
metadata	{"author":"itzcull"}

Inversion

Overview

• Category: Problem Solving
• Purpose: Approach a problem from a different perspective

How to Use Inversion

Trigger Questions

• "Am I only thinking of ideal solutions or scenarios?"

Steps

1. Ask: "What would be the worst decision/solution in this situation?"
2. Identify why it would be bad
3. Develop a good solution by examining reasons for bad decisions

Guiding Questions

• How could this go wrong?
• What would the opposite of this be?
• What would make a bad solution to this?

Practical Example: Pre-Mortem

Project managers use inversion through a "pre-mortem" exercise:

• Imagine the project has failed six months from now
• Examine potential failure scenarios
• Ask questions like:
  • "What went wrong?"
  • "What mistakes did we make?"
  • "Why did this project fail?"

Key Benefit

Inversion helps you:

• See potential bad outcomes
• Anticipate and avoid potential mistakes
• Gain a different perspective on problems

Sources

• "Mental models for designers" by Wes O'Haire
• "Inversion" by James Clear

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Source: https://untools.co/inversion/