Mental Models

Apply structured thinking frameworks to decisions, problems, and planning.

When This Triggers

• "Help me think through X"
• "What mental model should I use?"
• "Apply first principles to this"
• "Do a pre-mortem on this plan"
• "I need to analyze this decision"
• Any specific model name (SWOT, 5 Whys, etc.)

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Workflow

Step 1: Run Mental Models Scanner

Run the script to get all available models:

python 00-system/mental-models/scripts/select_mental_models.py --format brief

This returns JSON with all 59 models across 12 categories.

Optional filters:

# Filter by category
python 00-system/mental-models/scripts/select_mental_models.py --category cognitive --format brief

# List format (names only, grouped by category)
python 00-system/mental-models/scripts/select_mental_models.py --format list

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Step 2: Identify Context and Offer Options

Based on user's situation, offer 2-3 relevant models:

For decisions: Decision Matrix, Pre-Mortem, Cost-Benefit, Inversion
For problems: First Principles, Root Cause (5 Whys), Fishbone
For planning: Scenario Planning, Stakeholder Mapping, OKR
For creativity: Design Thinking, SCAMPER, Lateral Thinking
For risk: Pre-Mortem, Force Field, Red Team, Black Swan
For communication: Pyramid Principle, BLUF, Steel Manning
For learning: Feynman Technique, Deliberate Practice

Present options with brief descriptions (3-7 words each).

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Step 3: Load Specific Model File

After user selects, load the individual model file:

File structure: 00-system/mental-models/models/{category}/{model-slug}.md

Category	Path
Cognitive	models/cognitive/first-principles.md, inversion.md, etc.
Collaborative	models/collaborative/six-thinking-hats.md, mece.md, etc.
Diagnostic	models/diagnostic/pre-mortem.md, five-whys.md, etc.
Strategic	models/strategic/scenario-planning.md, ooda-loop.md, etc.
Analytical	models/analytical/decision-matrix.md, swot-analysis.md, etc.
Creative	models/creative/design-thinking.md, scamper.md, etc.
Operational	models/operational/kanban-thinking.md, okr-framework.md, etc.
Validation	models/validation/hypothesis-testing.md, red-team-analysis.md, etc.
Time & Resource	models/time-resource/eisenhower-matrix.md, opportunity-cost.md, etc.
Communication	models/communication/pyramid-principle.md, bluf.md, etc.
Learning	models/learning/feynman-technique.md, deliberate-practice.md, etc.
Probability & Risk	models/probability-risk/expected-value.md, black-swan-awareness.md, etc.

Example:

User picks: "First Principles + Pre-Mortem"

AI loads:
→ Read: 00-system/mental-models/models/cognitive/first-principles.md
→ Read: 00-system/mental-models/models/diagnostic/pre-mortem.md

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Step 4: Apply Model Questions

Use the question templates from the loaded model file to guide the user through structured thinking.

Each model file contains:

• Purpose: What the model does
• When to Use: Best situations for this model
• Questions to Ask: Ready-to-use prompts
• Process: Step-by-step application
• Output: What you get from using it

Keep it collaborative - this is a conversation, not an interrogation.

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Quick Reference

12 Categories (59 Models):

1. Cognitive - First Principles, Systems Thinking, Lateral Thinking, Inversion, Second-Order Thinking, Analogous Reasoning
2. Collaborative - Six Hats, MECE, Stakeholder Mapping, Devil's Advocate
3. Diagnostic - 5 Whys, Fishbone, Pre-Mortem, Force Field, Fault Tree
4. Strategic - Scenario Planning, OODA, Jobs to Be Done, Blue Ocean, PESTLE, Porter's Five Forces
5. Analytical - Decision Matrix, SWOT, Cost-Benefit, Pareto, Assumption Testing, Sensitivity Analysis
6. Creative - Design Thinking, SCAMPER, Morphological, Random Entry, Constraint Removal
7. Operational - Kanban, Value Stream, OKR, Lean Canvas, Theory of Constraints
8. Validation - Hypothesis Testing, Prototyping, Red Team, A/B Testing
9. Time & Resource - Eisenhower Matrix, Time Boxing, Opportunity Cost, Sunk Cost, Resource Mapping
10. Communication - Pyramid Principle, BLUF, Situation-Complication-Resolution, Steel Manning
11. Learning - Feynman Technique, Spaced Repetition, Deliberate Practice, T-Shaped Skills
12. Probability & Risk - Expected Value, Margin of Safety, Black Swan, Bayesian Updating, Regret Minimization

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Notes

• Always offer choice, never prescribe
• Run script first to see all available models
• Load individual model files only after user selects
• Combine models when appropriate (e.g., First Principles + Pre-Mortem)
• Adapt formality to user's context