Pathwise

Manuals / Problem Solving / Chapter 3

A · Frame · beginner · ~30 min · Chapter 3 of 9

Decompose into smallest testable slices

Big problems paralyze. Cut vertical slices that each teach something. Ship the thinnest slice first.

Path progress
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Step 1 of 1

Slice a big task

Take something that feels like "2 weeks." Cut a 2-hour slice that proves one assumption.

Slice a big taskDrag stickies · tap for tips
Study mapDrag stickies · tap for tipsKeep it shortdrag · tap →Name the waitdrag · tap →Scope locatorsdrag · tap →Trace when stuckdrag · tap →One browser firstdrag · tap →Isolate statedrag · tap →Assert the UIdrag · tap →Retry wiselydrag · tap →Seed datadrag · tap →Close the loopdrag · tap →Keep it shortdrag · tap →Name the waitdrag · tap →Scope locatorsdrag · tap →Trace when stuckdrag · tap →One browser firstdrag · tap →Isolate statedrag · tap →Pathwise hackdrag · tap →Slice a big taskdrag · tap →Try thisdrag · tap →Follow the dashed drag · tap →

Do this now

Decompose one task into 3 slices. Do slice 1 today.

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Chapter learning outcomes
  • Vertical slicing
  • INVEST stories
  • Thin MVP

Clear these before you leave

Side quest

Slice log

For one week, start every task by writing the thinnest slice first.