Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M10246

Yes, And

Yes, And
BehaviorHigh supportPsychology
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

The core principle of improvisational performance. First accept the other person's premise (Yes), then add new information on that basis (And), rather than negating (No, but).

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Promotes psychological safety. During brainstorming, "but" is strictly prohibited. Forcing the use of "Yes, and..." allows even the most absurd ideas to iterate into value, preventing premature death of creativity.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

The core principle of improvisational theater "Yes, and": first accept the other's proposal (Yes), then build on it (and), making collaboration move forward rather than mutually negating.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

  • link
    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yes%2C_and_ZH · Explicit
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