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.)
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 briefThis 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 listStep 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).
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.mdStep 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.
Quick Reference
12 Categories (59 Models):
- Cognitive - First Principles, Systems Thinking, Lateral Thinking, Inversion, Second-Order Thinking, Analogous Reasoning
- Collaborative - Six Hats, MECE, Stakeholder Mapping, Devil's Advocate
- Diagnostic - 5 Whys, Fishbone, Pre-Mortem, Force Field, Fault Tree
- Strategic - Scenario Planning, OODA, Jobs to Be Done, Blue Ocean, PESTLE, Porter's Five Forces
- Analytical - Decision Matrix, SWOT, Cost-Benefit, Pareto, Assumption Testing, Sensitivity Analysis
- Creative - Design Thinking, SCAMPER, Morphological, Random Entry, Constraint Removal
- Operational - Kanban, Value Stream, OKR, Lean Canvas, Theory of Constraints
- Validation - Hypothesis Testing, Prototyping, Red Team, A/B Testing
- Time & Resource - Eisenhower Matrix, Time Boxing, Opportunity Cost, Sunk Cost, Resource Mapping
- Communication - Pyramid Principle, BLUF, Situation-Complication-Resolution, Steel Manning
- Learning - Feynman Technique, Spaced Repetition, Deliberate Practice, T-Shaped Skills
- Probability & Risk - Expected Value, Margin of Safety, Black Swan, Bayesian Updating, Regret Minimization
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