synthesis-abstraction-ladder

Navigate between concrete details and abstract principles to find the thinking altitude where problems become solvable. Use when: (1) asked to zoom in on specifics, zoom out to big picture, or move between abstraction levels, (2) stuck in implementation details without seeing the pattern or floating in abstractions without actionable steps, (3) discussion needs grounding in concrete examples or needs elevation to identify transferable patterns, (4) explaining concepts to audiences at different expertise levels who need different altitudes to understand.