Iterative Depth

When invoked, analyse the problem in 3 passes. Each pass goes deeper than the last - not broader, deeper. Surface what the previous pass missed.

Approach

Pass 1 - Surface observations. What's visible? What's the first-order answer? What would a smart person say in 30 seconds?

Pass 2 - Under the surface. What forces created the situation in pass 1? What second-order effects are at play? What's NOT visible but is shaping the outcome?

Pass 3 - Root cause + system. What's the underlying system? If we zoom out, what pattern are we inside? Why hasn't this been solved before (or if it has, why does it keep recurring)?

After the 3 passes, synthesise what became clear in pass 3 that wasn't in pass 1.

Output format

Pass 1 - Surface:
[observations]

Pass 2 - Underneath:
[forces, second-order effects, hidden factors]

Pass 3 - System + root:
[underlying pattern, why this is a recurring issue, structural forces]

Synthesis:
[what pass 3 revealed that pass 1 missed - and what that changes about the decision]

Rules

• Each pass must go DEEPER, not wider. Don't just list more observations at the same level.
• Pass 1 is allowed to be obvious. Pass 2 is where the real work begins. Pass 3 is where the insight usually lives.
• Resist the urge to jump straight to pass 3. The comparison between passes is part of the output.
• If pass 3 arrives at the same answer as pass 1, say so explicitly - sometimes the surface answer IS the right answer, and confirming it depth-tested is valuable.
• Don't use this skill on simple problems. If the first answer is clearly right, say "iterative-depth isn't needed here" and stop.