Abstraction Laddering

Frame Your Problem Better with Different Levels of Abstraction.

Abstraction laddering is a powerful tool for problem-solving that helps refine and reframe challenges. It enables you to move beyond your initial problem statement by adjusting the level of abstraction. This technique ensures that you define your problem more clearly and find innovative solutions.

What is Abstraction Laddering? It’s a method for framing problems skillfully by exploring different levels of abstraction.

How It Works

• Move Up ?? – Ask "Why?" to broaden the scope and see the bigger picture ("forest for the trees").
• Move Down ?? – Ask "How?" to generate more concrete problem statements and solutions.

How to Use It Effectively

1. Start in the Middle – Define your initial problem statement.
2. Ask “Why?” – Move up the ladder to reframe the problem and expand perspectives.
3. Ask “How?” – Move down the ladder to explore concrete solutions.
4. Repeat & Iterate – Adjust your focus based on new insights.

Start using abstraction laddering in your next brainstorming session and see how it transforms your problem-solving approach. ??