MENTAL MODEL · M1436

Do Things that Don't Scale

SystemsHigh supportSystems Theory

Included

Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

In the early stages of a startup, don't rush to build automated systems; instead, manually and clumsily serve every user (e.g., personally installing software for them). Only in this way can you get the most authentic feedback. Scaffolding role: early survival rule. Before achieving PMF (Product-Market Fit), pursuing scale is suicide. Manual service, though clumsy, is the only shortcut to understanding user pain points.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Early survival rule. Before achieving PMF (Product-Market Fit), pursuing scale is suicide. Manual service, though clumsy, is the only shortcut to understanding user pain points.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Before PMF (Product-Market Fit) is validated, manual, non-scalable efforts yield the highest density of user understanding and trust. Automation and scaling only make sense after knowing 'what is worth scaling'; premature scaling can solidify and amplify wrong patterns.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Practice this model in one real situation:

In the early stage, personally serve the first 100 users manually (e.g., door-to-door visits, handwritten emails)
Record real pain points and language during interactions
Use these insights to iterate the product, rather than building systems first
After confirming PMF, gradually automate repeatable processes.

Check to track your progress (stored locally)

Learning progress0%

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Source support: Explicit

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paulgraham.comhttps://paulgraham.com/ds.htmlZH · Explicit
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