Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M5105

Orthogonality

Orthogonality
SystemsHigh supportSystems Theory
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Two variables or functions are orthogonal if they do not affect each other and are independent. Modifying A does not affect B, and modifying B does not affect A. For example, the "volume" and "channel" of a radio are orthogonal.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Controllability of the system. When designing life or products, pursue orthogonality. For example, your "income" should be as orthogonal to your "time investment" as possible (passive income); your "happiness" should be orthogonal to "others' evaluations." Orthogonality means decoupling and freedom.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

If the inner product of two dimensions is zero, they do not interfere with each other; changing one does not affect the other, corresponding to decoupling.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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