Muddling Through
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
Also known as 'incrementalism'. Because reality is too complex for decision-makers to engage in comprehensive rational planning, they can only make marginal adjustments and repairs based on the current situation.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
- Pragmatic decision-making: Don't always aim for 'top-level design' or 'starting from scratch'. Acknowledge the limitations of human rationality and accept that incremental improvement, like 'patching up and making do for another three years', is often more stable than radical reform.
Anchor fast decisions
Also known as 'incrementalism', because reality is too complex for comprehensive rational planning, decision-makers can only make marginal adjustments and repairs based on the current situation. It is a pragmatic decision-making model but may lack long-term vision.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/4Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muddling_Throughverified
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