89 lines
4.0 KiB
Markdown
89 lines
4.0 KiB
Markdown
---
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name: When Stuck - Problem-Solving Dispatch
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description: Dispatch to the right problem-solving technique based on how you're stuck
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when_to_use: when stuck and unsure which problem-solving technique to apply for your specific type of stuck-ness
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version: 1.1.0
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---
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# When Stuck - Problem-Solving Dispatch
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## Overview
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Different stuck-types need different techniques. This skill helps you quickly identify which problem-solving skill to use.
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**Core principle:** Match stuck-symptom to technique.
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## Quick Dispatch
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```dot
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digraph stuck_dispatch {
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rankdir=TB;
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node [shape=box, style=rounded];
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stuck [label="You're Stuck", shape=ellipse, style=filled, fillcolor=lightblue];
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complexity [label="Same thing implemented 5+ ways?\nGrowing special cases?\nExcessive if/else?"];
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innovation [label="Can't find fitting approach?\nConventional solutions inadequate?\nNeed breakthrough?"];
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patterns [label="Same issue in different places?\nFeels familiar across domains?\nReinventing wheels?"];
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assumptions [label="Solution feels forced?\n'This must be done this way'?\nStuck on assumptions?"];
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scale [label="Will this work at production?\nEdge cases unclear?\nUnsure of limits?"];
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bugs [label="Code behaving wrong?\nTest failing?\nUnexpected output?"];
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stuck -> complexity;
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stuck -> innovation;
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stuck -> patterns;
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stuck -> assumptions;
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stuck -> scale;
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stuck -> bugs;
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complexity -> simp [label="yes"];
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innovation -> collision [label="yes"];
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patterns -> meta [label="yes"];
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assumptions -> invert [label="yes"];
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scale -> scale_skill [label="yes"];
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bugs -> debug [label="yes"];
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simp [label="skills/problem-solving/\nsimplification-cascades", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightgreen];
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collision [label="skills/problem-solving/\ncollision-zone-thinking", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightgreen];
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meta [label="skills/problem-solving/\nmeta-pattern-recognition", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightgreen];
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invert [label="skills/problem-solving/\ninversion-exercise", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightgreen];
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scale_skill [label="skills/problem-solving/\nscale-game", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightgreen];
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debug [label="skills/debugging/\nsystematic-debugging", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightyellow];
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}
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```
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## Stuck-Type → Technique
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| How You're Stuck | Use This Skill |
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|------------------|----------------|
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| **Complexity spiraling** - Same thing 5+ ways, growing special cases | skills/problem-solving/simplification-cascades |
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| **Need innovation** - Conventional solutions inadequate, can't find fitting approach | skills/problem-solving/collision-zone-thinking |
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| **Recurring patterns** - Same issue different places, reinventing wheels | skills/problem-solving/meta-pattern-recognition |
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| **Forced by assumptions** - "Must be done this way", can't question premise | skills/problem-solving/inversion-exercise |
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| **Scale uncertainty** - Will it work in production? Edge cases unclear? | skills/problem-solving/scale-game |
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| **Code broken** - Wrong behavior, test failing, unexpected output | skills/debugging/systematic-debugging |
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| **Multiple independent problems** - Can parallelize investigation | skills/collaboration/dispatching-parallel-agents |
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| **Root cause unknown** - Symptom clear, cause hidden | skills/debugging/root-cause-tracing |
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## Process
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1. **Identify stuck-type** - What symptom matches above?
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2. **Load that skill** - Read the specific technique
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3. **Apply technique** - Follow its process
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4. **If still stuck** - Try different technique or combine
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## Combining Techniques
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Some problems need multiple techniques:
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- **Simplification + Meta-pattern**: Find pattern, then simplify all instances
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- **Collision + Inversion**: Force metaphor, then invert its assumptions
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- **Scale + Simplification**: Extremes reveal what to eliminate
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## Remember
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- Match symptom to technique
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- One technique at a time
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- Combine if first doesn't work
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- Document what you tried
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