Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M2225

Law of Demeter

Law of Demeter
SystemsHigh supportSystems Theory
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Also known as the 'principle of least knowledge'. An object should have as little knowledge as possible about other objects. Only talk to your immediate friends, do not talk to 'friends of friends'.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

- Decoupling thinking: In a company, do not command over the head of subordinates, do not interfere in details across departments. Reducing the coupling between modules (departments) allows the system to avoid total collapse during local chaos.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Objects should only communicate with immediate friends, not 'friends of friends', to reduce coupling.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Practice this model in one real situation:

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_DemeterZH · Explicit
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