Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M6771

PMI

PMI
DecideHigh supportDecision Science
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-28

CORE DEFINITION

PMI may stand for:.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

PMI may stand for:.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

People tend to react to new ideas based on their first instinct (like/dislike). PMI forces the reaction into three columns: Plus (P), Minus (M), and Interesting (I), and requires listing several items in each. The key is the I column—those points that are "neither good nor bad but worth pondering" often hide innovative breakthroughs, compelling emotional detachment and comprehensive examination.

MINIMUM ACTION

In progress 0/5

Practice this model in one real situation:

Check to track your progress (stored locally)
Learning progress0%
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Source support: Explicit

RELATED MODELS

Related model

Segal's Law

An adage using two disagreeing watches to illustrate uncertainty from conflicting sources.

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The Idea Maze

A good idea is not a momentary inspiration, but a maze map containing multiple paths, dead ends, turning points, and treasures.

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Double Diamond Model

Proposed by the British Design Council.

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