A Universal Case Study Method: MECE + IDEA-SCAMPER + ICE
Imagine you face a problem you have no idea how to solve. This guide presents a universal problem-solving approach that transcends specific domains.
Before diving into the steps, keep these core principles in mind
Verify the exact objective and metrics. Rephrase in your own words.
Tackle problems as if you're the founder ultimately responsible.
Do rough calculations. A Fermi estimate beats a vague hunch.
Systematically cover the ground, then drill down where it matters.
| Step | What to Do | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Define the Goal | A specific objective (e.g., 'Increase activation rate to 1.5%') |
| 2 | Construct a MECE Issue Tree | 2-3 levels of causes identified (issue tree) |
| 3 | Formulate Hypotheses | Table of hypotheses vs. data requirements |
| 4 | Prioritize with ICE | Ranked focus list (P0, P1, P2 items) |
| 5 | Generate Solutions (IDEA-SCAMPER) | Roadmap of initiatives (quick wins, mid-term, long-term) |
| 6 | Deliver the Conclusion | A 60-second summary of solution and plan |
Clarify what you're solving for
Every problem-solving exercise must start with a crystal-clear definition of what you're trying to achieve. Pin down the goal, the primary metric, and the target value.
Outcome:
A specific objective (e.g., 'Increase activation rate to 1.5%')
Key Tips:
Structure the problem systematically
Break the problem down into mutually exclusive, collectively exhaustive components. This ensures you cover all possibilities without overlap.
Outcome:
2-3 levels of causes identified (issue tree)
Key Tips:
Identify what you need to know
For each branch in your issue tree, articulate what questions need answering. Convert each sub-issue into a research question or hypothesis.
Outcome:
Table of hypotheses vs. data requirements
Key Tips:
Focus on what matters most
Use Impact, Confidence, and Effort scoring to prioritize which areas to address. Not everything can be tackled at once.
Outcome:
Ranked focus list (P0, P1, P2 items)
Key Tips:
Brainstorm systematically
Use the IDEA-SCAMPER framework to generate creative solutions: Invert, De-feature, Expand, Augment, Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to other use, Eliminate, Rearrange.
Outcome:
Roadmap of initiatives (quick wins, mid-term, long-term)
Key Tips:
Synthesize and communicate
Package your findings into a succinct conclusion: problem recap, key findings, recommendations, expected impact, risks, and next steps.
Outcome:
A 60-second summary of solution and plan
Key Tips:
11 creative prompts to generate solutions systematically
Flip assumptions or reverse the usual logic
Example: Let customers name their price
Remove or simplify components
Example: Reduce signup to just email
Broaden the context or offer more scope
Example: Add adjacent features
Enhance the existing value proposition
Example: Add automatic savings to payments
Swap out one element for another
Example: Replace SMS with biometrics
Merge elements for synergy
Example: Payment + gamification
Borrow from another domain
Example: Gaming loot boxes for rewards
Change scale or attributes
Example: Micro-loans of $50
Find new uses for existing assets
Example: Use purchase data for recommendations
Remove unnecessary steps
Example: Skip ID verification initially
Change the order of steps
Example: Show value before asking for signup
When you have multiple solutions, use ICE scoring to decide what to tackle first. Score each option 1-10 on three dimensions:
How big of an improvement could this make?
How sure are you this will work?
How easy is it to implement?
ICE Score = Impact × Confidence × Ease
| Option | I | C | E | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simplify signup | 9 | 8 | 5 | 360 |
| Referral campaign | 5 | 5 | 8 | 200 |
→ Prioritize simplifying signup (higher ICE score)
Practice with real case studies and see how the framework works in action