The Universal Constraint Generator
When stuck, apply these constraint categories:
1. Reduce (time, budget, resources, words) 2. Remove (expected elements, normal tools, usual channels) 3. Reverse (do the opposite, work backwards, flip assumptions) 4. Restrict (audience, format, medium, senses) 5. Require (unusual elements, specific outcomes, strange combinations)
The Constraint Quality Checklist
Good constraints are: - ✓ Specific enough to guide - ✓ Open enough to allow creativity - ✓ Challenging but not impossible - ✓ Relevant to the core goal - ✓ Measurable in outcomes
The Constraint Calibration Tool
Too easy? Add constraints. Too hard? Remove or modify constraints. Too generic? Add specific, unusual constraints. Too complex? Simplify to core constraints.