A mental model for problem-solving that rejects false binary choices (Door A vs. Door B) by questioning the architecture of the problem itself. Instead of agonizing over a pre-packaged menu of options, it involves "looking at the hallway" and asking why the constraints exist. It often leads to discovering "ghost constraints" (fake rules that can be ignored) or realizing the entire premise is a trap and exiting the building entirely.
Don't pick between Door A and Door B. There is always a Door C.
Don't pick between Door A and Door B. There is always a Door C.
Person 1: "So we either have to delay the product launch by a month or ship it with the security bug."
Person 2: "Stop staring at the doors and use some Door C thinking. Who actually set the launch deadline, and can we just bypass the issue by temporarily turning off that specific feature module?"
Person 2: "Stop staring at the doors and use some Door C thinking. Who actually set the launch deadline, and can we just bypass the issue by temporarily turning off that specific feature module?"
by parishwolfe April 9, 2026
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