Explore Concept

Broad ideation and problem definition using Socratic questioning.

When to Use

• Early-stage exploration

• Problem isn't well-defined

• Need to generate divergent ideas

• Clarifying requirements

Approach

Phase 1: Socratic Discovery

Ask 3-5 probing questions:

• What problem are we really solving?

• Who benefits and how?

• What does success look like?

• What constraints exist?

Reject vague answers — push for specificity.

Phase 2: Divergent Ideation

Generate 10 divergent concepts without constraints, then select top 3.

For each:

• Core idea

• Key benefit

• Biggest risk

Phase 3: Synthesis

Narrow to 1-2 directions worth exploring further.

Constraints

• No code or implementation plans

• No premature convergence

• End with: "Which of these directions feels most aligned with our goals?"