Design Stance
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
One of three strategies for predicting system behavior. It predicts a system by assuming it is 'designed' according to some intention. For example, you predict an alarm clock will ring not because you understand gear physics, but because you know it is 'designed' to do so. Scaffolding role: quickly understand artifacts. When analyzing a competitor's product or company policy, asking 'What is the designer's intention?' is more effective than analyzing 'What is its current state?'
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
Quickly understand artifacts. When analyzing a competitor's product or company policy, asking 'What is the designer's intention?' is more effective than analyzing 'What is its current state?'
Anchor fast decisions
One of Dennett's three intentional stances: for artificial/complex systems, assuming they operate according to 'design intent' to predict behavior is more efficient and effective than the physical/chemical level; the premise is that the system is indeed a designed product.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/1Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intentional_stanceverified
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