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?"