Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M2277

Desire Paths

Desire Paths
CreateHigh supportDesign Thinking
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

In parks, paved concrete paths are ignored, while a dirt trail is worn across the lawn. This trail is a 'desire path'—the route users choose by voting with their feet, reflecting the shortest or most convenient way, often contrary to the designer's original intent. -

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Planning that aligns with human nature. - Also 'pave the path where people walk'. When designing products or systems, don't first build the road (fix the process), but observe where the grass is worn (how users naturally operate most conveniently), then pave there. The best rules are an 'official confirmation' of users' natural behavior, not an 'official correction'.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Users spontaneously form paths based on least resistance or minimal cost, reflecting true preferences, often superior to designer's preset.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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