Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M2703

Demo Effect

Demo Effect
BusinessHigh supportProduct Management
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

The live version of Murphy's Law. A product that is flawless during rehearsal is bound to fail during the actual demonstration (to the boss or client).

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

- Backup thinking: Never trust a live demo. Always prepare a screen recording as Plan B. If you haven't prepared one, you're gambling.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Individual or group behavior changes due to observing the behavior and outcomes of others (especially reference groups), particularly significant in consumption, investment, and adoption of innovations; it can have positive or negative contagion effects.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Practice this model in one real situation:

Check to track your progress (stored locally)
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Source support: Explicit

  • link
    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demo_effectZH · Explicit
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