Collection
Ask questions that produce usable evidence instead of polished generalities
Turn an unclear information need into neutral questions, concrete examples, timelines, artifacts and explicit unknowns that can change a decision.
10 elements · Explore in any order.
1 checklist · 3 heuristics · 4 protocols · 1 question · 1 template
10 elements
Write the learning question before the interview question
The sentence you ask is not the same thing as the thing you need to learn.
Read the idea HeuristicAsk for the last real example before asking for the usual process
A recent episode has edges that a generic process description can hide.
Read the idea HeuristicUse neutral wording when the answer could embarrass or contradict you
If the safe answer is visible inside the question, agreement is weak evidence.
Read the idea ProtocolFollow labels with observable detail
A label is the start of a question, not the end of one.
Read the idea ProtocolBuild the sequence before asking for the cause
Why is easier to invent than what happened next.
Read the idea ChecklistAsk for the artifact that could outvote memory
A memory becomes much more useful when it points to a trace.
Read the idea QuestionAsk what would make the claim false
A useful claim needs a failure condition, not just more applause.
Read the idea TemplateSeparate what happened, what it meant and what should change
Evidence, meaning and action are different layers.
Read the idea HeuristicStop collecting answers that cannot change the next move
Curiosity is cheap; attention and analysis are not.
Read the idea ProtocolEnd an evidence conversation with unknowns, not false closure
A clean ending should name what is still not known.
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