invert-the-problem

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