Non-standard and creative cases: the guide
A prompt that fits no familiar type, handled from first principles: clarify the objective, build a simple model, and find the levers.
Facts checked against sources onWhat strong candidates can do
- Stay calm on an unfamiliar prompt
- Reason from first principles and build a simple model
- Build a structure from the goal when no familiar type fits
Common questions
What is a non-standard or creative case?
A prompt that fits no familiar type, handled from first principles: clarify the objective, build a simple model, and find the levers.
How do you approach a non-standard or creative case?
Clarify the objective, build a structure from first principles, and explain your logic step by step. No named framework is needed: the structure comes from the goal.
What is the most common mistake in a non-standard or creative case?
Forcing a memorised structure onto a problem it does not fit, instead of building one from the goal.
The full lessons, worked examples, drills and a case simulator with automated feedback are in the platform. Open the full lessons: Non-standard and creative cases or try the case simulator. No sign-up is needed to start.
Build your plan
A few quick questions turn this guide into a week by week plan, with cases like these at the right level.