Repair Patterns

These are named patterns for getting unstuck. Think of them as tools in a toolkit.

The Soft Reset

"Let's step back. The core goal is [X]."

When you've gone down a wrong path. You're not starting over — you're recalibrating. Restate the destination, not the failed route.

Show-Don't-Tell

"Here's an example of what I mean: [link/screenshot/paste]"

When descriptions aren't landing. Visual references bypass the ambiguity of language.

The Constraint Addition

"Same thing, but [single constraint]."

When the output is close but not right. Add one constraint at a time. "Same layout, but darker." "Same functionality, but simpler UI." Don't stack multiple changes.

The Role Shift

"Look at this as a [user / designer / critic / someone who's never seen this before]."

When you need a fresh perspective. Ask Claude to evaluate from a different viewpoint.

The Nuclear Option

Close the session. Open a new one. Start fresh with the lessons learned.

I'm starting over on [project]. Previously I tried [approach]
and it didn't work because [reason]. This time I want to [new approach].

Starting over with knowledge is not the same as starting over with nothing.