| name | thinkies-invert-the-problem |
| description | Turn a problem inside out to reveal hidden structure |
Follow these steps:
1. Flip the goal
Instead of "how do I achieve X?", ask "how would I guarantee the opposite of X?"
2. List failure paths
List every way to ensure failure or create the problem.
3. Reverse into protections
Reverse each item into a protective measure or design constraint.
4. Try other reversals
Reverse the sequence, the relationship (who acts on whom), the optimization target, and the perspective.
5. Keep the sharpest insight
Focus on the reversals that produce the most surprising or actionable insight.