Problem-Solution Inversion

Dan Porter shares a problem-solving approach that focuses on changing the structure around problems rather than addressing them directly. He demonstrates this through multiple business examples where inverting the problem led to success.

Key Examples:

• Gaming Platform Solution:

  • Problem: Players quit after losing 50% of games
  • Solution: Created a game with no losers using "streaks" concept
  • Result: Draw Something became hugely successful with collaborative gameplay

• Content Protection Strategy:

  • Problem: People stealing video content by cropping out watermarks
  • Solution: Created branded shirts worn in videos
  • Results:
    • Turned stolen content into free marketing
    • Created artificial scarcity by not selling shirts for 2 years
    • Built massive demand for merchandise

• Sports Media Approach:

  • Problem: Complex sports statistics alienate casual viewers
  • Solution: Stripped away all metadata/stats
  • Example: Changed "62 player with 8ft wingspan, shoots 50% from 3" to "Sean is fucking dope"
  • Result: Broader audience engagement and understanding

Core Principle:

• Don't try to solve the direct problem
• Look for structural changes around the problem
• Simplify to make things more accessible
• Turn challenges into opportunities by changing the framework

This approach can be applied across different industries and business challenges by focusing on structural solutions rather than direct problem-solving.