Problems aren't fixed objects—they're perspectives. Change the frame, change the game. These ten toolkits help you shatter problem assumptions and discover solutions hiding in plain sight.
1. The Problem Inverter
How to apply it: Make the problem the solution.
The inversion method: Current problem: Too much X Reframe: X is the solution Design around abundance of X
Inversions that worked:
- Problem: Too much data → Solution: Big data analytics
- Problem: People won't pay → Solution: Freemium model
- Problem: Too many returns → Solution: Zappos return policy
- Problem: Attention spans shrinking → Solution: TikTok
Your inversion: State your problem Ask: "What if this was the feature?" Design business around problem
Example: Problem: Customers forget password Reframe: Password-less is better Solution: Magic link login Result: Higher security, better UX
Think: "Problems are misunderstood features—embrace what you resist"
2. The Level Jumper
How to apply it: Shift problem to different level where it disappears.
The jumping levels:
Individual → System
Tactical → Strategic
Local → Global
Problem → Category
Level solutions:
- Can't afford car (individual) → Build public transit (system)
- Bug in code (tactical) → Redesign architecture (strategic)
- Traffic jam (local) → Remote work (global)
Your jump: Current level fighting problem Jump up: Does problem exist here? Often: Problem was wrong level
Example: Problem: Employees late Level 1: Punish lateness Level 2: Flexible hours Level 3: Results-only culture Problem disappears at Level 3
Think: "Problems exist at specific levels—change levels to escape"
3. The Constraint Celebrator
How to apply it: Turn constraints into your unique advantage.
The celebration method: List all constraints For each ask: "This forces us to..." Find advantage in force
Celebrated constraints:
- Twitter: 140 characters → Viral brevity
- Haiku: 5-7-5 structure → Profound simplicity
- StartUp: No budget → Scrappy innovation
- Discord: Gamers only → Focused community
Your celebration: Biggest constraint: _____ This forces: _____ Advantage: _____ Market this advantage
Think: "Constraints aren't problems—they're your competitive moat"
4. The Timeline Stretcher
How to apply it: Change time horizon to reveal different solutions.
The stretching scales: 1 day frame: Emergency fix 1 month frame: Temporary patch 1 year frame: System solution 10 year frame: Fundamental redesign
Timeline solutions: Problem: Not enough leads
- Today: Cold calls
- Month: Ad campaign
- Year: Content strategy
- Decade: Brand building
Your stretch: Take current problem Solve for 10 minutes Solve for 10 years Notice different solutions
Think: "Time horizon determines solution—stretch time to see options"
5. The Stakeholder Shuffler
How to apply it: Redefine who has the problem to find who'll pay for solution.
The shuffle method: Original: "Our problem" Shuffle: "Whose problem is this really?" Find: Who suffers most Solve: Their version
Shuffled solutions:
- "Our hiring problem" → Candidate's job search problem → LinkedIn
- "Our inventory problem" → Customer's selection problem → Amazon
- "Our payment problem" → Merchant's cash flow problem → Square
Your shuffle: Your problem: _____ Who else affected: _____ Their problem version: _____ Solve theirs, solve yours
Think: "Problems have multiple owners—solve for who pays most"
6. The Question Replacer
How to apply it: Replace the question being asked to find better answers.
The replacement method: Asked: "How to do X better?" Replace: "Should we do X at all?"
Replaced breakthroughs:
- "Faster horses?" → "Personal transportation?" → Automobile
- "Better blockbuster?" → "Home entertainment?" → Netflix
- "Bigger hotel?" → "Place to stay?" → Airbnb
Your replacement: Current question: _____ Underlying need: _____ Better question: _____ New solution: _____
Think: "Wrong questions guarantee wrong answers—replace to reveal"
7. The Metaphor Migrator
How to apply it: Use different metaphors to see new solutions.
The migration method: Current metaphor: Business is war New metaphor: Business is gardening New solutions: Nurture, seasons, ecosystem
Metaphor transformations: Organization as:
- Machine: Optimize efficiency
- Organism: Nurture growth
- Brain: Learn and adapt
- Jazz band: Improvise together
Your migration: Problem metaphor now: _____ Three new metaphors: _____ Solutions from each: _____
Think: "Metaphors create reality—change metaphor, change solutions"
8. The Boundary Dissolver
How to apply it: Remove artificial boundaries creating the problem.
The dissolution method: Identify boundary/category Ask: "What if no boundary?" Design for dissolved state
Dissolved boundaries:
- Work/Life → Work-life integration
- Online/Offline → Omnichannel
- Product/Service → Experience
- Company/Customer → Community
Your dissolution: What boundary creates problem? Dissolve it conceptually Design boundary-free solution
Example: Problem: Retail vs E-commerce competition Dissolve: No boundary Solution: Amazon Go stores
Think: "Boundaries create problems—dissolve them to solve them"
9. The Symptom Ladder
How to apply it: Climb from symptom to root, solve at highest leverage point.
The ladder climb: Symptom: Low sales Why: Poor conversion Why: No trust Why: Unknown brand Why: No authority Root: No thought leadership
Solutions at each rung:
- Low sales: Discount (band-aid)
- Poor conversion: Better copy (temporary)
- No trust: Testimonials (better)
- Unknown: Advertising (expensive)
- No authority: Content strategy (permanent)
Your climb: Start with obvious problem Ladder up five whys Solve at root, not symptom
Think: "Symptoms scream, roots whisper—climb to find leverage"
10. The Positive Problem
How to apply it: Find the positive intention behind the problem.
The positive method: Problem behavior exists Ask: "What positive need does this serve?" Solve need better way
Positive discoveries:
- Procrastination: Protecting from failure
- Resistance: Maintaining identity
- Conflict: Caring deeply
- Complaints: Wanting improvement
Your positive frame: Problem: _____ Positive intention: _____ Better way to achieve: _____
Example: Problem: Customers complaining Positive: They care enough to tell us Reframe: Feedback is gift Solution: Complaint → Co-creation program
Think: "Problems serve purposes—honor intention, upgrade method"
Integration Framework
Daily: Reframe one problem three ways Weekly: Jump levels on biggest challenge Monthly: Dissolve one boundary Quarterly: Replace core questions
The reframe formula: New perspective + Different level + Better question + Dissolved boundary = Breakthrough solution
Evolution:
- Day 1: Feels weird
- Week 1: New solutions appear
- Month 1: Problems transform
- Month 6: Reality bends
- Year 1: Master reframer
Master reframing: Problems aren't fixed—they're perspectives waiting to shift.
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