Problem-Solving Skill

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

When to Use

• Complexity spiraling: Multiple implementations, growing special cases
• Innovation blocks: Conventional solutions inadequate
• Recurring patterns: Same issue across domains
• Assumption constraints: “Only way” thinking
• Scale uncertainty: Production readiness unclear
• General stuck-ness: Unsure which technique applies

Quick Dispatch

Core Techniques

1. Simplification Cascades

Find one insight eliminating multiple components. “If this is true, we don’t need X, Y, Z.”

Key insight: Everything is a special case of one general pattern.

Red flag: “Just need to add one more case…” (repeating forever)

2. Collision-Zone Thinking

Force unrelated concepts together to discover emergent properties. “What if we treated X like Y?”

Key insight: Revolutionary ideas from deliberate metaphor-mixing.

Red flag: “I’ve tried everything in this domain”

3. Meta-Pattern Recognition

Spot patterns appearing in 3+ domains to find universal principles.

Key insight: Patterns in how patterns emerge reveal reusable abstractions.

Red flag: “This problem is unique” (probably not)

4. Inversion Exercise

Flip core assumptions to reveal hidden constraints. “What if the opposite were true?”

Key insight: Valid inversions reveal context-dependence of “rules.”

Red flag: “There’s only one way to do this”

5. Scale Game

Test at extremes (1000x bigger/smaller, instant/year-long) to expose fundamental truths.

Key insight: What works at one scale fails at another.

Red flag: “Should scale fine” (without testing)

Application Process

1. Identify stuck-type: Match symptom to technique
2. Load detailed reference: Read specific technique
3. Apply systematically: Follow technique’s process
4. Document insights: Record what worked/failed
5. Combine if needed: Some problems need multiple techniques

Powerful Combinations

• Simplification + Meta-pattern: Find pattern, simplify all instances
• Collision + Inversion: Force metaphor, invert assumptions
• Scale + Simplification: Extremes reveal what to eliminate
• Meta-pattern + Scale: Universal patterns tested at extremes

Reference Navigation

Integration with ClaudeKit

Works with:

• sequential-thinking: Structured problem decomposition
• debugging: Root cause investigation
• planning: Solution design

Key Takeaway

Match stuck symptoms to specific techniques: Simplification Cascades for complexity, Collision-Zone for innovation blocks, Meta-Pattern for recurring issues, Inversion for assumptions, Scale Game for production readiness.