MENTAL MODEL · M0511

Appetite

BusinessHigh supportManagement

Included

Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Reverse estimation. Instead of asking "How long will this feature take?", ask "How much time are we willing to invest in this feature (appetite)?" (e.g., This is just a small feature; my appetite is 2 weeks). If it can't be done in 2 weeks, don't extend the deadline; cut features (reduce scope). Scaffolding role: fixed time, variable scope. Prevents endless project delays. By setting a rigid time box, it forces the team to make trade-offs within scope and prioritize delivering core value.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Fixed time, variable scope. Prevents endless project delays. By setting a rigid time box, it forces the team to make trade-offs within scope and prioritize delivering core value.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Replace "fixed scope, variable time" with "fixed time box, variable scope": first set the acceptable investment (appetite/time box); if scope is insufficient, cut features rather than extend deadlines, forcing prioritization and controlling schedule risk.

MINIMUM ACTION

In progress 0/4

Practice this model in one real situation:

For each feature, first ask "How much time/resources are we willing to invest?" (set appetite)
if not completed by the deadline, reduce scope rather than extend
prioritize core features by value
review appetite estimation deviations.

Check to track your progress (stored locally)

Learning progress0%

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Source support: Explicit

link
en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AppetiteZH · Explicit
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