First Principles

When to use First Principles

Use this method when facing a seemingly intractable problem or when seeking radical innovation.

What it solves

Relying on conventional wisdom or industry best practices that may be outdated or ineffective.

How to run First Principles, step by step

1. Define the problem clearly. (5 minutes)
2. Break down the problem into its fundamental principles or assumptions. (15 minutes)
3. Challenge each assumption and identify the core truths. (20 minutes)
4. Create new solutions by reasoning up from these first principles. (15 minutes)
5. Evaluate and refine the proposed solutions. (5 minutes)

Materials needed

• Whiteboard or virtual whiteboard
• Markers or digital pens
• Sticky notes (optional)

Facilitator tips

• Encourage participants to question everything and avoid taking anything for granted.
• Help the team to distinguish between fundamental truths and assumptions.

Common pitfalls

• Getting bogged down in irrelevant details. Focus on the core principles.
• Failing to challenge assumptions deeply enough. Encourage rigorous questioning.

Variations

• Use a mind map to visually represent the breakdown of the problem.
• Assign different participants to challenge different assumptions.

Running it online or hybrid

Use a shared document or whiteboard to collaboratively break down the problem and rebuild solutions.

What it produces

A diagram or list of first principles related to the problem, along with potential solutions derived from those principles.

Origin

Attributed to Elon Musk — source

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