Apply structured thinking frameworks to decisions, problems, and planning.
When This Triggers
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"Help me think through X"
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"What mental model should I use?"
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"Apply first principles to this"
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"Do a pre-mortem on this plan"
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"I need to analyze this decision"
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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 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
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).
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
| 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
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:
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Purpose: What the model does
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When to Use: Best situations for this model
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Questions to Ask: Ready-to-use prompts
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Process: Step-by-step application
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Output: What you get from using it
Keep it collaborative - this is a conversation, not an interrogation.
Quick Reference
12 Categories (59 Models):
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Cognitive - First Principles, Systems Thinking, Lateral Thinking, Inversion, Second-Order Thinking, Analogous Reasoning
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Collaborative - Six Hats, MECE, Stakeholder Mapping, Devil's Advocate
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Diagnostic - 5 Whys, Fishbone, Pre-Mortem, Force Field, Fault Tree
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Strategic - Scenario Planning, OODA, Jobs to Be Done, Blue Ocean, PESTLE, Porter's Five Forces
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Analytical - Decision Matrix, SWOT, Cost-Benefit, Pareto, Assumption Testing, Sensitivity Analysis
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Creative - Design Thinking, SCAMPER, Morphological, Random Entry, Constraint Removal
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Operational - Kanban, Value Stream, OKR, Lean Canvas, Theory of Constraints
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Validation - Hypothesis Testing, Prototyping, Red Team, A/B Testing
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Time & Resource - Eisenhower Matrix, Time Boxing, Opportunity Cost, Sunk Cost, Resource Mapping
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Communication - Pyramid Principle, BLUF, Situation-Complication-Resolution, Steel Manning
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Learning - Feynman Technique, Spaced Repetition, Deliberate Practice, T-Shaped Skills
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Probability & Risk - Expected Value, Margin of Safety, Black Swan, Bayesian Updating, Regret Minimization
Notes
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Always offer choice, never prescribe
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Run script first to see all available models
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Load individual model files only after user selects
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Combine models when appropriate (e.g., First Principles + Pre-Mortem)
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Adapt formality to user's context