Cognitive Scaffold

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MENTAL MODEL · M3586

Smiling Curve

Smiling Curve
BusinessHigh supportEconomics
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

In the industrial chain, added value is more concentrated at the two ends—design/R&D (left end) and marketing/brand (right end), while the manufacturing/assembly stage in the middle has the lowest added value. The curve is U-shaped.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Transformation guide. For manufacturing, if unwilling to be a mere laborer, one must climb toward the two ends of the curve (either develop technology or build a brand).

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

In the industrial chain, added value is more concentrated at the two ends—design/R&D (left) and marketing/brand (right), while the manufacturing/assembly in the middle has the lowest added value, forming a U-shaped curve; it suggests that manufacturing should climb toward the two ends.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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