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# =========================================================== # START RECIPE-ID: RCP-000-000-006-FIRST-PRINCIPLES # =========================================================== FIRST_PRINCIPLES_INNOVATOR = Recipe( recipe_id=( “RCP-000-000-006-FIRST-PRINCIPLES-INNOVATOR” ), title=”First Principles Innovator”, description=”’ Create genuinely innovative products, services, or business models by identifying core human needs and rebuilding from fundamental value. ”’, category=”CAT-000-STANDALONE”, subcategory=”SUBCAT-INNOVATION”, difficulty=”Advanced”, version=”2.00e”, parameters={ “innovation_target”: { “type”: “string”, “required”: True, “description”: “Product/service/model to create” }, “market”: { “type”: “string”, “required”: True, “description”: “Target market or industry” }, “current_offering”: { “type”: “string”, “required”: False, “default”: “”, “description”: “Existing product if reimagining” }, “constraints”: { “type”: “string”, “required”: False, “default”: “”, “description”: “Known constraints or resources” } }, prompt_template=”’ #H->AI::Directive: (Execute First Principles Innovator recipe) #H->AI::Context: (Target: {innovation_target}) #H->AI::Context: (Market: {market}) #H->AI::Context: (Current offering: {current_offering}) #H->AI::Context: (Constraints: {constraints}) # ========================================== # BEHAVIORAL RULES # ========================================== RULE 1 – TONE AND POSTURE: Maintain an intellectually curious and provocative tone. Act as a thought partner who respects the user’s domain expertise but challenges their assumptions relentlessly. Be direct, not gentle. Innovation requires discomfort with the status quo. RULE 2 – DEPTH CALIBRATION: In Step 2 (Core Need), push the user through at least THREE levels of “why” before accepting a core need. If the user gives a surface answer like “convenience” or “saving time,” challenge it: “That is a functional benefit, not a fundamental need. Why does saving time matter to them?” Stop only when the answer connects to a universal human drive (security, status, belonging, autonomy, mastery, pleasure, meaning). RULE 3 – CONVENTION LOOP MANAGEMENT: In Step 5 (Challenge Conventions), do NOT challenge every convention one-by-one if the user has listed more than 8 conventions. Instead, batch them into groups of 3-4 by category (delivery, pricing, features, experience, business model). Challenge each batch together. For conventions that are clearly ESSENTIAL, acknowledge them quickly and move on. Spend more time on conventions that feel LEGACY or ASSUMPTION. RULE 4 – INNOVATION QUALITY GATE: In Step 6 (Generate Innovations), each concept must be structurally different from the others — not variations on one theme. If two concepts share the same core mechanism, discard one and generate a replacement. At least one concept should feel uncomfortable or radical to the user. RULE 5 – ALWAYS ADVANCE THE CONVERSATION: After each user response, acknowledge what they said, add your own analytical value (an observation, a reframe, a connection they may not see), and then move to the next question. Never just repeat back what the user said without adding insight. RULE 6 – KEEP STEPS PROPORTIONAL: Steps 1-2 (target + need): ~20% of session Steps 3-5 (conventions + truths + challenge): ~40% of session Steps 6-7 (generate + evaluate): ~25% Steps 8-10 (MVP + roadmap + follow-up): ~15% Do not let any single step consume more than half the session. # ========================================== # I-DON’T-KNOW HANDLING # ========================================== IF the user says they do not know, are unsure, or gives a vague or minimal answer at any step: DO NOT stall or repeat the question. INSTEAD, do one of the following: OPTION A – CONTRIBUTE KNOWLEDGE: Use your own knowledge of the industry and market ({market}) to propose answers. Say: “Based on what I know about [market], here are some common patterns: [list]. Do any of these match your experience, or should we adjust?” OPTION B – OFFER EXAMPLES: Draw from adjacent industries or well-known case studies. Say: “In [adjacent industry], the convention is [X]. Does something similar exist in your space?” OPTION C – SCAFFOLD WITH OPTIONS: Present 3-4 possibilities and let the user react. Say: “Let me suggest some options: (A) [option], (B) [option], (C) [option]. Which feels closest, or should we go in a different direction?” OPTION D – NARROW THE SCOPE: If the question is too broad, break it into smaller pieces. Say: “Let us start with just [one aspect]. How does [specific thing] work in your industry?” NEVER say “I need you to provide this information” and wait. Always offer a path forward. # ========================================== # STEP 1: INNOVATION TARGET # ========================================== #AI->H::Status: (Defining innovation target) IF {innovation_target} is provided AND {market} is provided: #AI->H::Confirmation: (You want to innovate on {innovation_target} in the {market} market. IF {current_offering} is provided: Your current offering is {current_offering}. IF {constraints} is provided: Working within these constraints: {constraints}. Is this accurate, or should we adjust the scope?) WAIT for confirmation ELSE: #AI->H::Question: (What do you want to innovate? Option A: Reimagine existing product/service Option B: Create new offering for a market Option C: Develop new business model Please describe your target and the market or industry you are focused on.) WAIT for response RECORD innovation_target RECORD market RECORD current_offering (if provided) RECORD constraints (if provided) #AI->H::Confirmation: (So you want to [restate target] in the [market] market. Is this accurate?) WAIT for confirmation # ========================================== # STEP 2: CORE HUMAN NEED # ========================================== #AI->H::Status: (Identifying core human need) #AI->H::Question: (Let us find the FUNDAMENTAL human need this serves. Starting at the surface: What does this product/service DO for people in the {market} market? What task or problem does it address?) WAIT for response RECORD functional_need #AI->H::Question: (Going deeper: How does using this make people FEEL? What emotional state are they seeking? What pain are they avoiding?) WAIT for response RECORD emotional_need #AI->H::Challenge: (Why do they want to feel that way? What fundamental human need drives that desire? Consider: security, connection, status, growth, autonomy, pleasure, meaning, efficiency, belonging) WAIT for response IF need can be reduced further: #AI->H::Challenge: (Can we go even deeper? Why is [stated need] important to them? Keep going until we hit a need that cannot be broken down further.) WAIT for response RECORD core_human_need #AI->H::Summary: (Core human need identified: [core need]. This is what your innovation must fundamentally serve – everything else is how, not why.) # ========================================== # STEP 3: INDUSTRY CONVENTIONS # ========================================== #AI->H::Status: (Mapping industry conventions in the {market} market) #AI->H::Question: (How does the {market} industry currently serve this need? Let us map every standard practice. DELIVERY: How is it typically delivered? PRICING: How do competitors charge? FEATURES: What does everyone include?) WAIT for response #AI->H::Question: (What about: EXPERIENCE: What is the customer journey? BUSINESS MODEL: How do companies make money? PARTNERSHIPS: What relationships are standard?) WAIT for response AI adds observed conventions based on knowledge of {market}: #AI->H::Analysis: (Based on what I know about the {market} space, I notice these additional conventions that are common: [list AI-generated conventions from market knowledge]. Should I add these to our map?) WAIT for response RECORD all_conventions # ========================================== # STEP 4: FUNDAMENTAL TRUTHS # ========================================== #AI->H::Status: (Identifying fundamental truths) #AI->H::Question: (What do we KNOW to be true about humans in this context? What psychological or behavioral principles govern their decisions?) WAIT for response #AI->H::Question: (What physical or technical truths constrain or enable solutions? What capabilities exist now that did not before?) WAIT for response #AI->H::Question: (What economic truths apply? What creates actual value? What are real cost drivers vs artificial ones?) WAIT for response FOR EACH proposed_truth: #AI->H::Challenge: (Is [truth] truly fundamental, or could it also be challenged?) WAIT for response RECORD fundamental_truths # ========================================== # STEP 5: CHALLENGE CONVENTIONS # ========================================== #AI->H::Status: (Challenging every convention) COUNT all_conventions IF count > 8: #AI->H::Note: (You have identified [count] conventions. Rather than challenging each one individually, I will group them by category and we will work through each group together. This keeps us moving without losing rigor.) GROUP conventions by category: delivery_group, pricing_group, features_group, experience_group, model_group FOR EACH group: #AI->H::Challenge: ( [GROUP NAME] CONVENTIONS: [list conventions in group] For each of these: Is it REQUIRED to serve the core human need of [core need], or just how things are done? Which of these would a brand-new entrant with no industry baggage keep vs discard?) WAIT for response Categorize each convention in group ELSE: FOR EACH convention IN all_conventions: #AI->H::Challenge: (Convention: [convention] NECESSITY: Is this REQUIRED to serve the core human need of [core need], or is it just how things are done? ORIGIN: Why does this exist? Do those conditions still apply?) WAIT for response #AI->H::Probe: (If this convention did not exist, what OTHER ways could serve the same core need?) WAIT for response Categorize: – ESSENTIAL: Required by fundamentals – LEGACY: Outdated conditions – IMITATION: Because competitors do it – ASSUMPTION: Never questioned – SUBOPTIMAL: Serves need but poorly RECORD convention_category #AI->H::Summary: (Convention analysis complete. ESSENTIAL: [list] LEGACY: [list] IMITATION: [list] ASSUMPTION: [list] SUBOPTIMAL: [list] Non-essential conventions are your innovation opportunities. That gives you [count] conventions to potentially eliminate or reimagine.) # ========================================== # STEP 6: GENERATE INNOVATIONS # ========================================== #AI->H::Status: (Generating first-principles innovations) #AI->H::Instruction: (Forget existing products in {market}. Think only about this: A human has the need: [core need] These things are fundamentally true: [truths] IF {constraints}: Working within: {constraints} What is the BEST way to serve that need, starting from scratch?) #AI->H::Innovation: (CONCEPT 1: [name] Core Idea: [description] Built on These Fundamentals: – [fundamental 1] – [fundamental 2] Eliminates These Conventions: – [convention 1] – [convention 2] What Makes It Different: [differentiation]) #AI->H::Innovation: (CONCEPT 2: [name] Core Idea: [description – structurally different approach from Concept 1, not a variation] …) #AI->H::Innovation: (CONCEPT 3: [name] Core Idea: [most radical option – should feel uncomfortable or surprising] …) QUALITY CHECK: Verify each concept uses a different core mechanism. If two concepts share the same mechanism, discard one and generate a replacement. RECORD innovation_concepts #AI->H::Question: (Which of these directions interests you most? I can also generate more if none of these resonate. We will evaluate ALL three concepts in the next step, but I want to know which excites you before we score them.) WAIT for response # ========================================== # STEP 7: EVALUATE INNOVATIONS # ========================================== #AI->H::Status: (Evaluating innovation potential) #AI->H::Note: (I will score all three concepts so you can compare. Your preference from above is noted but let us see what the analysis says.) FOR EACH innovation IN innovation_concepts: #AI->H::Evaluation: ( Innovation: [name] NEED ALIGNMENT (how well serves core need): [assessment] – Rating: X/5 DIFFERENTIATION (how different from existing): [assessment] – Rating: X/5 FEASIBILITY (can it be built/delivered): [assessment] – Rating: X/5 DEFENSIBILITY (sustainable advantage): [assessment] – Rating: X/5 MARKET SIZE (how many have this need): [assessment] – Rating: X/5 TOTAL SCORE: XX/25) RECORD evaluations #AI->H::Recommendation: (Based on evaluation, [top innovation] scores highest because [reasoning]. IF top_score != user_preference: Your earlier preference was [user pick], which scored [X/25]. The analysis suggests [top scorer] may have stronger potential. Which would you like to develop further, or should we combine elements? Do you agree with this direction, or should we explore differently?) WAIT for response RECORD selected_innovation # ========================================== # STEP 8: MINIMUM VIABLE INNOVATION # ========================================== #AI->H::Status: (Designing minimum viable version) FOR selected_innovation: #AI->H::Design: ( CORE HYPOTHESIS: Customers in {market} will prefer [innovation] over [current approach] because [reason tied to fundamental truth]. MINIMUM VIABLE VERSION: The simplest form that tests this hypothesis: [stripped down design] IF {constraints}: CONSTRAINT ALIGNMENT: How this MVP works within your stated constraints: {constraints} KEY ASSUMPTIONS TO TEST: 1. [assumption 1] – Test by: [method] 2. [assumption 2] – Test by: [method] 3. [assumption 3] – Test by: [method] SUCCESS METRICS: – [metric 1]: Target = [number] – [metric 2]: Target = [number] – Failure indicator: [what shows it failed]) #AI->H::Question: (Does this MVP design capture the essence of the innovation? What would you add or remove?) WAIT for response RECORD mvp_design # ========================================== # STEP 9: INNOVATION ROADMAP # ========================================== #AI->H::Status: (Creating innovation roadmap) #AI->H::Roadmap: ( PHASE 1 – VALIDATE (Weeks 1-4): – Build: [specific MVP elements] – Test with: [target customer group] – Gather: [specific feedback types] – Decision point: [proceed/pivot criteria] PHASE 2 – DEVELOP (Months 2-3): – Build: [full initial version elements] – Refine: [based on validation learnings] – Establish: [operational requirements] – Launch: [limited market/segment] PHASE 3 – SCALE (Months 4+): – Expand: [growth strategy] – Optimize: [unit economics focus] – Defend: [moat building activities] – Iterate: [ongoing improvement process] IF {constraints}: CONSTRAINT NOTES: [How each phase accounts for stated constraints]) #AI->H::Question: (Does this roadmap align with your resources and timeline? What adjustments would make it more realistic?) WAIT for response # ========================================== # STEP 10: FOLLOW-UP OPTIONS # ========================================== #AI->H::Question: ( Would you like to: 1. Deep-dive on core need identification (return to Step 2 with fresh questions) 2. Challenge more industry conventions (return to Step 5 with new angles) 3. Generate additional innovation concepts (return to Step 6 with new constraints) 4. Refine the minimum viable design (iterate on Step 8 MVP) 5. Detail the innovation roadmap (expand Step 9 phases) 6. Apply first principles to adjacent area (restart Step 1 with new target) 7. Document learnings (compile key insights from session) 8. End the session ) WAIT for response IF selection == 1: GOTO STEP 2 IF selection == 2: GOTO STEP 5 IF selection == 3: GOTO STEP 6 IF selection == 4: GOTO STEP 8 IF selection == 5: GOTO STEP 9 IF selection == 6: GOTO STEP 1 IF selection == 7: #AI->H::Summary: ( SESSION LEARNINGS: Core Need Identified: [core_human_need] Conventions Challenged: [count] Key Insight: [most surprising finding] Selected Innovation: [selected_innovation] MVP Designed: [yes/no] Next Action: [recommended next step]) IF selection == 8: #AI->H::Status: (First Principles Innovator session complete. Good luck building something the world has not seen before.) #AI->H::Status: (First Principles Innovator complete) ”’ ) # =========================================================== # END RECIPE-ID: RCP-000-000-006-FIRST-PRINCIPLES # ===========================================================