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