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mental-models

mental-models

github.com/abdullahbeamProductivity387 installsUpdated 44w ago
Repository

About mental-models

mental-models is a skill for applying structured thinking frameworks to decisions, problems, and plans. It lists available models, helps select options for a situation, and guides a collaborative application of the chosen model.

Key features

  1. 01Browse 59 models in 12 categories
  2. 02Filter models by category
  3. 03Offer options matched to context
  4. 04Load selected model guidance
  5. 05Apply question prompts collaboratively

Use cases

  1. 01Compare options for a decision
  2. 02Explore root causes of a problem
  3. 03Assess risks in a plan
  4. 04Structure a planning or creative session

Install

Copy the command and run it in a terminal.

$npx skills add https://github.com/abdullahbeam/nexus-design-abdullah --skill mental-models

After installing, type/mental-modelsin Claude Code to confirm it loaded.

Details

From the project README

Mental Models

Apply structured thinking frameworks to decisions, problems, and planning.

When This Triggers

  • "Help me think through X"
  • "What mental model should I use?"
  • "Apply first principles to this"
  • "Do a pre-mortem on this plan"
  • "I need to analyze this decision"
  • Any specific model name (SWOT, 5 Whys, etc.)

Workflow

Step 1: Run Mental Models Scanner

Run the script to get all available models:

python 00-system/mental-models/scripts/select_mental_models.py --format brief

This returns JSON with all 59 models across 12 categories.

Optional filters:

# Filter by category
python 00-system/mental-models/scripts/select_mental_models.py --category cognitive --format brief

# List format (names only, grouped by category)
python 00-system/mental-models/scripts/select_mental_models.py --format list
Step 2: Identify Context and Offer Options

Based on user's situation, offer 2-3 relevant models:

For decisions: Decision Matrix, Pre-Mortem, Cost-Benefit, Inversion For problems: First Principles, Root Cause (5 Whys), Fishbone For planning: Scenario Planning, Stakeholder Mapping, OKR For creativity: Design Thinking, SCAMPER, Lateral Thinking For risk: Pre-Mortem, Force Field, Red Team, Black Swan For communication: Pyramid Principle, BLUF, Steel Manning For learning: Feynman Technique, Deliberate Practice

Present options with brief descriptions (3-7 words each).

Step 3: Load Specific Model File

After user selects, load the individual model file:

File structure: 00-system/mental-models/models/{category}/{model-slug}.md

CategoryPath
Cognitivemodels/cognitive/first-principles.md, inversion.md, etc.
Collaborativemodels/collaborative/six-thinking-hats.md, mece.md, etc.
Diagnosticmodels/diagnostic/pre-mortem.md, five-whys.md, etc.
Strategicmodels/strategic/scenario-planning.md, ooda-loop.md, etc.
Analyticalmodels/analytical/decision-matrix.md, swot-analysis.md, etc.
Creativemodels/creative/design-thinking.md, scamper.md, etc.
Operationalmodels/operational/kanban-thinking.md, okr-framework.md, etc.
Validationmodels/validation/hypothesis-testing.md, red-team-analysis.md, etc.
Time & Resourcemodels/time-resource/eisenhower-matrix.md, opportunity-cost.md, etc.
Communicationmodels/communication/pyramid-principle.md, bluf.md, etc.
Learningmodels/learning/feynman-technique.md, deliberate-practice.md, etc.
Probability & Riskmodels/probability-risk/expected-value.md, black-swan-awareness.md, etc.

Example:

User picks: "First Principles + Pre-Mortem"

AI loads:
→ Read: 00-system/mental-models/models/cognitive/first-principles.md
→ Read: 00-system/mental-models/models/diagnostic/pre-mortem.md
Step 4: Apply Model Questions

Use the question templates from the loaded model file to guide the user through structured thinking.

Each model file contains:

  • Purpose: What the model does
  • When to Use: Best situations for this model
  • Questions to Ask: Ready-to-use prompts
  • Process: Step-by-step application
  • Output: What you get from using it

Keep it collaborative - this is a conversation, not an interrogation.

Quick Reference

12 Categories (59 Models):

  1. Cognitive - First Principles, Systems Thinking, Lateral Thinking, Inversion, Second-Order Thinking, Analogous Reasoning
  2. Collaborative - Six Hats, MECE, Stakeholder Mapping, Devil's Advocate
  3. Diagnostic - 5 Whys, Fishbone, Pre-Mortem, Force Field, Fault Tree
  4. Strategic - Scenario Planning, OODA, Jobs to Be Done, Blue Ocean, PESTLE, Porter's Five Forces
  5. Analytical - Decision Matrix, SWOT, Cost-Benefit, Pareto, Assumption Testing, Sensitivity Analysis
  6. Creative - Design Thinking, SCAMPER, Morphological, Random Entry, Constraint Removal
  7. Operational - Kanban, Value Stream, OKR, Lean Canvas, Theory of Constraints
  8. Validation - Hypothesis Testing, Prototyping, Red Team, A/B Testing
  9. Time & Resource - Eisenhower Matrix, Time Boxing, Opportunity Cost, Sunk Cost, Resource Mapping
  10. Communication - Pyramid Principle, BLUF, Situation-Complication-Resolution, Steel Manning
  11. Learning - Feynman Technique, Spaced Repetition, Deliberate Practice, T-Shaped Skills
  12. Probability & Risk - Expected Value, Margin of Safety, Black Swan, Bayesian Updating, Regret Minimization

Notes

  • Always offer choice, never prescribe
  • Run script first to see all available models
  • Load individual model files only after user selects
  • Combine models when appropriate (e.g., First Principles + Pre-Mortem)
  • Adapt formality to user's context

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