Problem-Solving Techniques

Systematic approaches for different types of stuck-ness. Each technique targets specific problem patterns.

When to Use

Apply when encountering:

• Complexity spiraling - Multiple implementations, growing special cases
• Innovation blocks - Conventional solutions inadequate, need breakthrough
• Stuck-ness - Unsure which technique applies (see references/when-stuck.md)

Core Techniques

Technique	Key Insight	Red Flag
Simplification Cascades	One insight eliminating multiple components	"Just need to add one more case..."
Collision-Zone Thinking	Force unrelated concepts together for emergent properties	"I've tried everything in this domain"
Meta-Pattern Recognition	Patterns in 3+ domains reveal universal principles	"This problem is unique" (probably not)
Inversion Exercise	Flip core assumptions to reveal hidden constraints	"There's only one way to do this"
Scale Game	Test at extremes to expose fundamental truths	"Should scale fine" (without testing)

Application Process

1. Identify stuck-type - Match symptom to technique, load that reference, apply systematically

References

• references/when-stuck.md - Dispatch flowchart and decision tree
• references/simplification-cascades.md - Cascade detection and extraction
• references/collision-zone-thinking.md - Metaphor collision process
• references/meta-pattern-recognition.md - Pattern abstraction techniques
• references/inversion-exercise.md - Assumption flipping methodology
• references/scale-game.md - Extreme testing procedures
• references/attribution.md - Source and adaptation notes