thinkies-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

Focus on the reversals that produce the most surprising or actionable insight.