[paulpauper]

this may work for simple problems. i have found it's more like:

1. study extensive background/prior art

2. have major epiphany to solve problem

3. try to get around inevitable roadblocks and complications during the process of solving it

[hgsgm]

You should read the book. It fills in about 100 more steps/options around those 3 general steps.

Getting from 1 to 2 and from 2 to 3 is the aim of the book