Framers

1. Framing: The Power of Mental Models in Decision-Making

The source of human power is neither muscle nor mind but models

Frames shape perception. Mental models, or frames, are the foundation of human thought and decision-making. They help us understand the world, predict outcomes, and make sense of complex situations. Frames act as cognitive filters, highlighting essential information while disregarding the rest. This cognitive shortcut allows us to efficiently process information and make decisions.

Frames influence action. The frames we employ affect the options we see, the decisions we make, and the results we attain. For example, when Regina Barzilay and her team at MIT reframed the search for new antibiotics from a biological problem to an informational one, they discovered a powerful new drug using AI. This demonstrates how changing our mental model can lead to breakthrough solutions.

Frames are ubiquitous. We use mental models constantly, even if we're not aware of them. They infuse everything from personal decisions to societal structures:

• In business: Lean manufacturing, OKR (Objectives and Key Results)
• In politics: Democracy, monarchism
• In philosophy: Secular humanism, religious worldviews
• In law: Rule of law, "might makes right"
• In social issues: Racial equality, racism

2. Causality: Understanding the World Through Cause and Effect

We are causal-inference engines and often wrong, but this is good

Causality is foundational. Humans are naturally inclined to see the world through the lens of cause and effect. This causal reasoning is the basis of our cognition, allowing us to predict outcomes and make decisions. From early childhood, we develop an understanding of causality that shapes our interactions with the world.

Causal templates enable learning. Unlike animals that focus on directly observable causal links, humans can create abstract causal templates. This ability allows us to:

• Generalize from specific experiences
• Apply knowledge to new situations
• Learn more efficiently
• Make predictions about unobserved phenomena

Explainability matters. Our drive to understand causality leads us to create explanations, even when we lack complete information. This was evident in the case of Ignaz Semmelweis, who correctly identified handwashing as a way to prevent puerperal fever, but struggled to explain why it worked. The importance of explainability highlights why some frames catch on while others don't, even if they lead to correct actions.

3. Counterfactuals: Imagining Alternative Realities

Envisioning worlds that do not exist lets us excel in this one

Counterfactuals expand possibilities. The ability to imagine alternative realities is a uniquely human trait. It allows us to:

• Consider "what if" scenarios
• Evaluate potential outcomes
• Make better decisions in the present

Pretend play builds skills. Children engage in counterfactual thinking through pretend play, which helps develop their ability to reason about hypothetical situations. This cognitive skill is crucial for problem-solving and innovation in adulthood.

Simulations enhance learning. Various fields use counterfactual thinking to improve performance:

• Business schools use case studies to expose students to diverse scenarios
• Athletes engage in "film study" to analyze game situations
• Medical professionals use simulations to practice procedures
• Computer scientists create virtual environments like Waymo's Carcraft to train self-driving cars

By mentally rehearsing different scenarios, we can prepare for a wide range of possible outcomes and make more informed decisions.

4. Constraints: Limiting Imagination for Practical Solutions

Our vision needs to be bounded to be effective

Constraints focus creativity. While imagination is powerful, it needs boundaries to be effective. Constraints help channel our thinking towards practical solutions. Examples include:

• Dr. Seuss writing "Green Eggs and Ham" using only 50 unique words
• Architect Frank Gehry viewing constraints as opportunities for creativity
• The Wright brothers' innovative airplane design working within physical limitations

Balancing constraints is key. When applying constraints to our thinking, we should consider:

1. Mutability: Focus on elements that can be changed
2. Minimal change: Start with small modifications before considering larger ones
3. Consistency: Ensure changes don't contradict underlying assumptions

External models help. Sometimes, it's useful to create physical or digital models to embody constraints:

• Architects use scale models
• Surgeons practice on anatomically accurate mannequins
• Military planners use mock-ups for training (e.g., the Entebbe raid)

These external representations help us adhere to necessary limitations while exploring possible solutions.

5. Reframing: Switching Perspectives for Better Outcomes

Occasionally we need to switch frames or invent new ones

Reframing unlocks new solutions. Sometimes, the mental model we're using isn't suitable for the problem at hand. Reframing involves switching to a different perspective, which can reveal new options and lead to better outcomes. This can be done in three ways:

1. Repertoire: Choosing a different frame from ones we already know
2. Repurposing: Adapting a frame from another context
3. Reinvention: Creating an entirely new frame

Successful reframers think differently. People who excel at reframing share certain traits:

• Willingness to take cognitive risks
• Comfort with the unfamiliar
• Ability to let go of preconceptions
• Capacity to see and seize new possibilities

Timing matters. Recognizing when to reframe is crucial. It's necessary when:

• Circumstances have changed substantially
• Goals have evolved
• The current frame no longer produces useful options

For example, Tesla successfully reframed the concept of electric cars when battery technology improved and environmental concerns became more prominent, while traditional automakers initially resisted this change.

6. Cognitive Diversity: Embracing Multiple Frames

A wide variety of frames is crucial for progress

Diverse perspectives improve outcomes. Organizations and societies benefit from cognitive diversity – the presence of multiple mental models. This diversity:

• Increases the likelihood of finding innovative solutions
• Helps avoid groupthink
• Improves decision-making in complex situations

Strategies for cognitive diversity:

1. Expand your frame repertoire
2. Engage in "cognitive foraging" – seeking out new ideas and experiences
3. Practice the "clean-slate" strategy – being ready to put aside familiar frames

Fostering diversity in organizations. To harness the power of cognitive diversity:

• Assemble teams with varied backgrounds and perspectives
• Encourage individual reflection before group discussions
• Create an environment that values and protects different viewpoints

Companies like Apple have institutionalized these practices, leading to more innovative and successful outcomes.

7. Frame Pluralism: Fostering Diverse Perspectives in Society

A coexistence of frames is essential to humanity's survival

Pluralism protects cognitive freedom. A society that embraces multiple frames is more resilient and adaptable. Frame pluralism:

• Allows for a wider range of problem-solving approaches
• Prepares society for unexpected challenges
• Protects against the dangers of cognitive monocultures

Strategies for promoting pluralism:

1. Embrace variation: Celebrate differences in viewpoints
2. Harness education: Teach respect for diverse perspectives
3. Encourage migration: Mix cultures to foster new ideas
4. Accept friction: View debates as opportunities for growth

Beware of bad frames. While most frames should be tolerated, those that deny the existence of other frames are dangerous. Societies must be vigilant against frames that seek to eliminate cognitive diversity.

8. Vigilance: Protecting Our Cognitive Power in the Age of AI

We must remain on guard not to cede our power

Human framing remains crucial. Despite advances in artificial intelligence, human cognitive abilities are irreplaceable. AI can process vast amounts of data, but it cannot:

• Generate causal frames
• Create counterfactuals
• Impose meaningful constraints

Agility of mind is key. To thrive in a world with AI, humans must cultivate mental flexibility. This involves:

• Continually nurturing curiosity for new perspectives
• Developing the courage to disagree and be disagreed with
• Training our minds to adapt to new situations

Embracing our cognitive heritage. As we face unprecedented challenges, from climate change to pandemics, our ability to frame and reframe problems is more important than ever. By honing our framing skills and fostering cognitive diversity, we can ensure that humanity remains at the center of problem-solving and decision-making in the age of AI.

Last updated: November 11, 2024