> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.designreference.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.designreference.xyz/cognitive-tools/universal/problem-solving.md).

# Problem Solving

- [5 Whys](https://www.designreference.xyz/cognitive-tools/universal/problem-solving/5-whys.md)
- [Abstraction Laddering](https://www.designreference.xyz/cognitive-tools/universal/problem-solving/abstraction-laddering.md)
- [Divergent & Convergent Thinking](https://www.designreference.xyz/cognitive-tools/universal/problem-solving/divergent-and-convergent-thinking.md)
- [First Principles Thinking](https://www.designreference.xyz/cognitive-tools/universal/problem-solving/first-principles-thinking.md): Getting to the root of the problem
- [Iceberg Model](https://www.designreference.xyz/cognitive-tools/universal/problem-solving/iceberg-model.md)
- [Inversion Thinking](https://www.designreference.xyz/cognitive-tools/universal/problem-solving/inversion-thinking.md): Reverse your thinking to move forward
- [Ishikawa Diagram](https://www.designreference.xyz/cognitive-tools/universal/problem-solving/ishikawa-diagram.md): A key tool for root cause analysis
- [Issue Trees](https://www.designreference.xyz/cognitive-tools/universal/problem-solving/issue-trees.md)
- [Occam's Razor](https://www.designreference.xyz/cognitive-tools/universal/problem-solving/occams-razor.md): The simplest explanation or solution is often the correct one
- [Productive Thinking Model](https://www.designreference.xyz/cognitive-tools/universal/problem-solving/productive-thinking-model.md)
- [Systems Thinking](https://www.designreference.xyz/cognitive-tools/universal/problem-solving/systems-thinking.md): Seeing the Whole Picture: Navigating Complexity with Systems Thinking
- [Zwicky Box](https://www.designreference.xyz/cognitive-tools/universal/problem-solving/zwicky-box.md)


---

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