ProblemTeams copy industry constraints and then optimize inside them.
PrincipleBreak the problem into physics, economics, and assumptions, then rebuild from the irreducible parts.
UseUse it when the market says something is impossible mostly because incumbents have stopped questioning the stack.
Break the problem into physics, economics, and assumptions, then rebuild from the irreducible parts.
The move
The useful part of first-principles thinking is the teardown. What is actually required? What is habit? What is supplier margin? What is regulation? What is fear?
Once the parts are visible, the design space opens.
The constraint
This style works badly when used as ego. It works well when paired with brutal execution detail.
A first-principles answer still has to survive manufacturing, distribution, hiring, and time.
Use it
Pick one expensive assumption in your business. Rebuild it from materials, labor, information, and customer need. Then see what can be redesigned.