The idea
Starting from a specific decision can narrow a broad information problem. Identify the uncertainty that could change the choice, then work backward to the evidence needed and a credible way to obtain it.
Situation
The need for more information is expanding into research without a clear stopping point.
Useful when
Watch for
Not all useful discovery begins with a known decision. Use this lens for focused investigation without eliminating exploratory learning. Refining the question also has a cost; seek evidence when further analysis is unlikely to help.
Where this came from
Research, Product work
Example
Before broadly researching how banks work, identify the design choice at stake and the assumption it depends on. Target conversations that could reveal whether that assumption holds beyond the current environment.