Problem Solving

KISS Review Framework

An action-orientated review model to convert past experience into practice.

5 Whys Technique

Get to the root cause of an issue by asking "why" repeatedly.

First Principles

Start from the basics and find a new, more logical way of doing things.

FMEA Methodology

Identify failure modes and prioritize risks.

DEEP Technique

Protect your emotional boundaries.

Research Funnel Model

Understand users with clarity, even when resources are tight.

5 Sos Technique for Problem Solving and Strategic Thinking

Continuously asking “So what might happen next?” to project how one event could trigger another.

5W1H

Gather comprehensive information and provide clarity in various situations.

Brainstorming

A creativity technique designed to generate a large number of ideas.

Zoom-In and Zoom-Out Model

Allows you to handle challenges with clarity, whether you need to see the big picture or focus on the details.

Freud’s Iceberg Theory

Developed from human psychology, it help us understand how the conscious and unconscious mind interacts.

Fishbone Diagram

A simple yet powerful tool that helps you analyze and solve problems in a structured way.

SCAMPER Method

Generate new ideas by systematically remixing existing products, processes, and assumptions.

Outcome Discovery Canvas

Define measurable outcomes and success metrics before you commit to building features.

DIKW Model

Move beyond information overload and make truly wise decisions.

Magic Loop Framework

Capture feedback, act on it, make changes stick, and report back with clarity.

Four-Step Innovation Model

Turn raw ideas into market-ready products through a disciplined, four-stage innovation pipeline.

4Ps Problem-Solving Framework

Discover the real problem before solving it.

POEMS Framework

Gives teams a clear way to observe, classify, and interpret user behavior.

KISS Review Framework: Keep, Improve, Start, Stop Analysis

An action-orientated review model to convert past experience into practice.

FRAMEWORK CARD

KISS Review Framework

Goal
Turn reflection into clear actions by distinguishing what to keep, improve, start, and stop.
Best For
Sprint Retrospectives; Project Post-Mortems; Quarterly Reviews; 1:1 Feedback

Why This Matters

Many projects drift off course not because of a lack of effort, but because of a lack of reflection. Teams often repeat mistakes or fail to scale what is actually working.

The KISS Review Framework matters because it provides a quick, structured way to evaluate performance. It moves feedback away from vague impressions (“I think we did okay”) toward clear, actionable categories.

The KISS review framework is a straightforward, easy-to-understand evaluation tool that helps you assess what’s working, what needs improvement, what should be stopped, and what should be started in a project.

KISS stands for:

  • Keep
  • Improve
  • Stop
  • Start

One of the great things about the KISS framework is its flexibility—you can apply it at any stage of a project, whether it’s in progress, at the end, or after completion.

Core Concept of the Framework

To better understand the KISS model, think of it in terms of a logical quadrant:

On the X-axis, we have Good/Bad Results, and on the Y-axis, we have Sustainable/Unsustainable.

By combining these, we get the following insights:

Quadrant A: Keep (Sustainable + Good Result)

This represents things you’ve done well. It could be the result of effective methods, good habits, or smart ideas.

The key here is to stick to what works and continue building on these strengths.

Quadrant B: Improve (Sustainable + Bad Result)

Even if you’re on the right path, the results may not be optimal.

Focus on improving processes or tools to make sure you're still headed toward the right goal.

Quadrant C: Stop (Unsustainable + Bad Result)

When something is both unsustainable and leading to bad results, it’s time to stop.

This could involve stopping ineffective methods, breaking bad habits, or addressing behaviors that are harming progress.

Quadrant D: Start (Unsustainable + Good Result)

If you’ve identified actions that contribute to success but haven’t started them yet, this is where "Start" comes into play.

Begin implementing these actions to build on your successes.