Base120 · Inversion

Backward Induction

IN · Inversion

Begin with desired end state and work backward to determine necessary steps

Model code
IN9
Transformation
IN (Inversion) — Improve by removing, reversing, or stress-testing assumptions.
Priority
9 of 20
Framework
HUMMBL Base120 — 120 mental models across 6 transformations

When to use

"Use when the end state is clearer than the path to it. Begin with the desired outcome, then work backward to identify what must be true at each preceding step. Reveals prerequisites that forward planning misses."

Example

"Desired end state — a deployed AI governance policy in 90 days. Working backward — day 90 policy is live, day 75 board approves, day 60 legal review completes, day 45 draft is written, day 30 stakeholder input is collected, day 15 scope is defined. The backward chain reveals that stakeholder input must start by day 15, not day 60."

Common misuse

"Working backward to a plan that ignores present constraints. The backward chain identifies what must happen, not what can happen given current resources. Merge with forward planning to check feasibility."

Also known as

Backward ChainingGoal-Directed Reasoning

Related models

IN12P12RE1