Stuck on a Problem? Discover How Layered Thinking Can Reveal Hidden Answers

Do you ever feel stuck with a problem?

Like you're trying to solve a puzzle with only half the pieces?

You need to try looking at the problem with Layered thinking.

Layered thinking is a way to find solutions by looking at problems from different angles.

A way to help you find solutions that might be hiding in plain sight.

Why Layers Matter

Think of a photographer switching lenses. each lens shows something different.

In problem-solving, thinking in layers allows you to see problems in different levels of detail. By zooming in or out on the detail, you can find solutions or connections that you wouldn't have seen at your original layer.

Here's how to layer your thinking.

Start by visualizing different “layers” of the problem:

Surface Layer:

The immediate problem — the “What."

Underlying Patterns:

Recognise recurring elements.

E.g: triggers or patterns behind the scenes.

Contextual View:

Zoom out and see the bigger picture.

How do factors like timing, people, or trends play a role?

Imagine looking at a traffic jam.

The surface layer shows the obvious—cars aren’t moving.

Underlying patterns might reveal that construction or rush hour creates bottlenecks.

The contextual view shows broader causes of the problem, like city planning, public transit availability, or local events.

Here's how to apply it to find solutions:

1. Define the Layers:

Pick a problem and identify its layers like we did above.

2. Zoom In and Out:

Move between layers, focusing on details then zooming out for a macro perspective.

3. Check each layer for solutions

Move from your original layer to the others and see if there's changes you can make on that layer that could help fix the problem.

Layered thinking doesn’t promise instant solutions, but it expands your mental toolkit.

By training ourselves to shift perspectives, we’re less likely to get stuck and more open to surprising insights.

Next time you’re faced with a problem, try layered thinking.

Break it down into layers: surface, patterns, and context.

Shift between each, zooming in for details and out for the big picture.

Start with one current problem, map out its layers, and see what new insights you uncover.

Until next week.

Shoaib.