When to use this combo
You want to start something new but aren't sure what to build. You need a systematic way to discover real problems, reframe them at the right level of abstraction, define the ideal outcome, and prioritize which idea to pursue first.
Is this combo right for you?
Use this combo if you're a customer-obsessed builder. You believe the best products start with a real problem, not a cool technology. You enjoy talking to users, reframing problems, and writing things down before coding. If "start with the customer and work backwards" resonates with you, this is your path.
Step-by-step walkthrough
Use Abstraction Laddering to explore problems at different levels. Go up ("Why?") to find the real need, and down ("How?") to find concrete solution spaces.
Apply Working Backwards to write a press release for your imagined product. This forces clarity about the customer, the problem, and why your solution matters.
Use RICE Scoring to objectively compare your top ideas by Reach, Impact, Confidence, and Effort — then pursue the one with the highest score.