first-principles-analysislisted

# First Principles Analysis ## Overview Break problems down to their fundamental truths, question every assumption, and rebuild solutions unconstrained by convention. Work through six phases, but within each phase, have a natural dialogue. Ask one question at a time, follow interesting threads, and don't rush to the next phase until the current one feels complete. ## When to Use This - Existing solutions feel like cargo cult or "we've always done it this way" - You hear "that's impossible" or "too expensive" - Industry conventions don't make logical sense - Need breakthrough rather than incremental improvement - Something feels like inherited constraint vs actual constraint --- ## The Process ### Phase 1: Define the Problem Don't skip this. Most failed analyses come from solving the wrong problem. Start by understanding what we're actually trying to achieve. Ask questions like: - What's the core problem in your own words? - What would success look like concretely? - Why does this problem exist? - What prompted this now? Stay here until the problem is crystal clear. If it feels fuzzy, keep asking. ### Phase 2: Surface Assumptions Now list everything we're assuming - especially the "obvious" stuff that nobody questions. Explore together: - What do we assume to be true about this problem? - What's "just how it's done" in this space? - What would someone with zero context find strange? - What constraints do we take for granted? Present assumptions back conversati