Convention over Configuration
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
When designing a system, reduce the number of decisions and configurations users need to make by presetting a set of reasonable 'default conventions'. Users only need to configure when they require non-standard behavior.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
Default value dividend. In management or product design, don't make users choose too much. Provide a set of best practices (conventions) that 'work perfectly without any choices'. Hide complexity in the exceptions of 'not following conventions'.
Anchor fast decisions
Preset reasonable defaults (conventions) to reduce user decision-making and configuration burden; only configure when non-standard behavior is needed. Hide complexity in exceptions, thereby reducing cognitive load and error probability, making 'zero-configuration usability' the default experience.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/5Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convention_over_configurationverified
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