inversion exercise
Flip core assumptions to reveal hidden constraints and alternative approaches - "what if the opposite were true?"
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/obra/superpowers-skills --skill inversion-exercise- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads inversion exercise automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
Inversion Exercise
Overview
Flip every assumption and see what still works. Sometimes the opposite reveals the truth.
Core principle: Inversion exposes hidden assumptions and alternative approaches.
Quick Reference
| Normal Assumption | Inverted | What It Reveals |
|---|---|---|
| Cache to reduce latency | Add latency to enable caching | Debouncing patterns |
| Pull data when needed | Push data before needed | Prefetching, eager loading |
| Handle errors when occur | Make errors impossible | Type systems, contracts |
| Build features users want | Remove features users don't need | Simplicity >> addition |
| Optimize for common case | Optimize for worst case | Resilience patterns |
Process
- List core assumptions - What "must" be true?
- Invert each systematically - "What if opposite were true?"
- Explore implications - What would we do differently?
- Find valid inversions - Which actually work somewhere?
Example
Problem: Users complain app is slow
Normal approach: Make everything faster (caching, optimization, CDN)
Inverted: Make things intentionally slower in some places
- Debounce search (add latency → enable better results)
- Rate limit requests (add friction → prevent abuse)
- Lazy load content (delay → reduce initial load)
Insight: Strategic slowness can improve UX
Red Flags You Need This
- "There's only one way to do this"
- Forcing solution that feels wrong
- Can't articulate why approach is necessary
- "This is just how it's done"
Remember
- Not all inversions work (test boundaries)
- Valid inversions reveal context-dependence
- Sometimes opposite is the answer
- Question "must be" statements
FAQ
What does the inversion exercise skill do?
Flip core assumptions to reveal hidden constraints and alternative approaches - "what if the opposite were true?"
How do I install inversion exercise?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/obra/superpowers-skills --skill inversion-exercise in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/inversion-exercise/ (personal) or .claude/skills/inversion-exercise/ (project).
Which AI agents can use inversion exercise?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is inversion exercise safe to install?
No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.
Who maintains inversion exercise?
It is published by obra in obra/superpowers-skills. It has 515 recorded installs.
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