abstraction-laddering

name	abstraction-laddering
description	Use abstraction laddering to reframe problems by moving between higher-level why questions and lower-level how questions. Use when a problem statement feels too narrow, too vague, or needs more innovative solution framing.
license	MIT
metadata	{"author":"itzcull"}

Abstraction Laddering

Overview

• Category: Problem Solving Tool
• Purpose: Frame problems more skillfully by exploring different levels of abstraction

How to Use

Core Technique

1. Start with an initial problem statement
2. Ask "why" questions to expand scope (move up the ladder)
3. Ask "how" questions to develop concrete solutions (move down the ladder)

Key Benefits

• Helps "see the forest for the trees"
• Enables finding innovative solutions
• Can be used quickly, alone or in team settings

Example

Practical Illustration (Wes O'Haire, Dropbox)

Initial Problem: "Design a better can opener"

Moving Down (How?):

• "Make it more appealing"

Moving Up (Why?):

• "Get soup out of the can"
• "Make it more convenient"

Visual Aid

The tool is represented as a ladder where you can:

• Move up to expand problem scope
• Move down to develop specific solutions

Resources

• Worksheet available in a bundle with 9 other tools
• Sources: Wes O'Haire's "Mental Models for Designers", Autodesk's abstraction laddering guide

Related Tools

• First Principles
• Issue Trees

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Source: https://untools.co/abstraction-laddering/