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version: "1.0.2" name: when-stuck description: Problem-Solving Dispatch; Dispatch to the right problem-solving technique based on how you're stuck; Stuck on a problem. Conventional approaches not working. Need to pick the right problem-solving technique. Not sure which skill applies.
When Stuck - Problem-Solving Dispatch
Overview
Different stuck-types need different techniques. This skill helps you quickly identify which problem-solving skill to use.
Core principle: Match stuck-symptom to technique.
Quick Dispatch
dot
digraph stuck_dispatch {rankdir=TB;node [shape=box, style=rounded];stuck [label="You're Stuck", shape=ellipse, style=filled, fillcolor=lightblue];complexity [label="Same thing implemented 5+ ways?\nGrowing special cases?\nExcessive if/else?"];innovation [label="Can't find fitting approach?\nConventional solutions inadequate?\nNeed breakthrough?"];patterns [label="Same issue in different places?\nFeels familiar across domains?\nReinventing wheels?"];assumptions [label="Solution feels forced?\n'This must be done this way'?\nStuck on assumptions?"];scale [label="Will this work at production?\nEdge cases unclear?\nUnsure of limits?"];bugs [label="Code behaving wrong?\nTest failing?\nUnexpected output?"];stuck -> complexity;stuck -> innovation;stuck -> patterns;stuck -> assumptions;stuck -> scale;stuck -> bugs;complexity -> simp [label="yes"];innovation -> collision [label="yes"];patterns -> meta [label="yes"];assumptions -> invert [label="yes"];scale -> scale_skill [label="yes"];bugs -> debug [label="yes"];simp [label="skills/problem-solving/\nsimplification-cascades", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightgreen];collision [label="skills/problem-solving/\ncollision-zone-thinking", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightgreen];meta [label="skills/problem-solving/\nmeta-pattern-recognition", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightgreen];invert [label="skills/problem-solving/\ninversion-exercise", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightgreen];scale_skill [label="skills/problem-solving/\nscale-game", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightgreen];debug [label="skills/debugging/\nsystematic-debugging", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightyellow];}
Stuck-Type → Technique
| How You're Stuck | Use This Skill | |
|---|---|---|
| Complexity spiraling - Same thing 5+ ways, growing special cases | skills/problem-solving/simplification-cascades | |
| Need innovation - Conventional solutions inadequate, can't find fitting approach | skills/problem-solving/collision-zone-thinking | |
| Recurring patterns - Same issue different places, reinventing wheels | skills/problem-solving/meta-pattern-recognition | |
| Forced by assumptions - "Must be done this way", can't question premise | skills/problem-solving/inversion-exercise | |
| Scale uncertainty - Will it work in production? Edge cases unclear? | skills/problem-solving/scale-game | |
| Code broken - Wrong behavior, test failing, unexpected output | skills/debugging/systematic-debugging | |
| Multiple independent problems - Can parallelize investigation | Use coordinator/wrapper-agent WORK_SPLIT and bounded TASK_PACKETs | |
| Root cause unknown - Symptom clear, cause hidden | skills/debugging/root-cause-tracing |
Process
- Identify stuck-type - What symptom matches above?
- Load that skill - Read the specific technique
- Apply technique - Follow its process
- If still stuck - Try different technique or combine
Combining Techniques
Some problems need multiple techniques:
- Simplification + Meta-pattern: Find pattern, then simplify all instances
- Collision + Inversion: Force metaphor, then invert its assumptions
- Scale + Simplification: Extremes reveal what to eliminate
Remember
- Match symptom to technique
- One technique at a time
- Combine if first doesn't work
- Document what you tried