> Before I start working on a feature, I simulate how it's going to work in my head and try to identify all the hurdles and alternatives; sometimes several levels down in the hypothetical component/module hierarchy. I do brainstorms, draw diagrams and make lists of pros-and-cons. I use as many visual aids as I can get.

Remarkably, this is how 37Signal's Shape Up (https://basecamp.com/shapeup) encourages defining feature work prior to building.

In particular, the concepts of Rabbit Hole (as explored with senior developers prior to coding), Breadboarding and Fat Marker Sketches (having a high-level but end-to-end map of the feature) are almost identical to what you're describing.

I found this approach both intuitive in my personal development work, and as a tech lead for lean teams. Funnily, quite a few people really struggle with the concept of "thinking through the feature end-to-end", and not just "let's start with one piece and then figure it out". It's great to do development in small chunks with unknowns, but we still need to know what we are all trying to achieve!

(not affiliated with Shape Up / Basecamp, I just feel Jira leads to hugely suboptimal and waterfall-y processes).