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skills/problem-solving/inversion-exercise/SKILL.md

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+---
+name: Inversion Exercise
+description: Flip core assumptions to reveal hidden constraints and alternative approaches - "what if the opposite were true?"
+when_to_use: when stuck on unquestioned assumptions or feeling forced into "the only way" to do something
+version: 1.1.0
+---
+
+# Inversion Exercise
+
+## Overview
+
+Flip every assumption and see what still works. Sometimes the opposite reveals the truth.
+
+**Core principle:** Inversion exposes hidden assumptions and alternative approaches.
+
+## Quick Reference
+
+| Normal Assumption | Inverted | What It Reveals |
+|-------------------|----------|-----------------|
+| Cache to reduce latency | Add latency to enable caching | Debouncing patterns |
+| Pull data when needed | Push data before needed | Prefetching, eager loading |
+| Handle errors when occur | Make errors impossible | Type systems, contracts |
+| Build features users want | Remove features users don't need | Simplicity >> addition |
+| Optimize for common case | Optimize for worst case | Resilience patterns |
+
+## Process
+
+1. **List core assumptions** - What "must" be true?
+2. **Invert each systematically** - "What if opposite were true?"
+3. **Explore implications** - What would we do differently?
+4. **Find valid inversions** - Which actually work somewhere?
+
+## Example
+
+**Problem:** Users complain app is slow
+
+**Normal approach:** Make everything faster (caching, optimization, CDN)
+
+**Inverted:** Make things intentionally slower in some places
+- Debounce search (add latency → enable better results)
+- Rate limit requests (add friction → prevent abuse)
+- Lazy load content (delay → reduce initial load)
+
+**Insight:** Strategic slowness can improve UX
+
+## Red Flags You Need This
+
+- "There's only one way to do this"
+- Forcing solution that feels wrong
+- Can't articulate why approach is necessary
+- "This is just how it's done"
+
+## Remember
+
+- Not all inversions work (test boundaries)
+- Valid inversions reveal context-dependence
+- Sometimes opposite is the answer
+- Question "must be" statements