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?"