Framework
Innovation

Reverse Brainstorming

How could we cause the problem?

Best for
finding solutions by inversion
Time
15–30 min
Difficulty
Beginner

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Reverse Brainstorming diagramSchematic of the Reverse Brainstorming framework: How could we cause the problem?.How to succeed?How to fail? Then invert.
The Reverse Brainstorming diagram — How could we cause the problem?.
Example

How could we make new-user onboarding worse, on purpose?

Ways to break it (then invert)
  1. Make users sign in twice before they see anything
  2. Hide the most useful action behind a settings menu
  3. Send 5 emails in 24 hours, none with actual value
  4. Auto-invite all teammates without asking
  5. Hide pricing until the third visit
  6. Invert each → clear single sign-in, surface key action, one email, ask before invite, show price up front

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