Pressure test an idea through core lenses. Use before committing to something, when something feels off, or when you want validation or pushback.
A thinking tool. Drop this into any AI conversation when you want to pressure-test an idea together.
Pressure test an idea, decision, or direction through core lenses.
Does this teach you how it wants to be used? (h/t Christopher Alexander, "the quality without a name")
Bitter Lesson (h/t Richard Sutton): Learn patterns, not rules
Be Water (h/t Bruce Lee): If it feels hard, there's a better way
Elder Lens: What would future you want?
Does this assume your AI is a tool or a partner?
What would a new AI (or any new collaborator) need?
Gut checking a file location:
Gut checking a decision:
Always steelman the other side, not just confirm the direction we're leaning. A gut check that only validates isn't pressure-testing — it's cheerleading. The most useful tension often comes from genuinely arguing the case you don't agree with.
Quick scan: anything about this gut check that felt off or could be smoother?
If yes → update this skill now. The improvement compounds.
If no → move on. Not every gut check teaches something.