System goalUpstreamlocal goalinfo + toolsprotocolartifactBlocal goalinfo + toolszoom in →protocolartifactDownstreamlocal goalinfo + toolsB is the focal unit. Shown as a chain for simplicity.Protocol defines how units communicate — artifact is what flows downstream.
Step 1 — System
Each unit has a local goal derived from the system goal. Protocols define how units communicate; artifacts are the outputs that flow downstream.
Binternal computationmental modelArtifactEvaluationexternal influence on Bzoom into B's internals next →
Step 2 — Zoom into B
B's internal computation and mental model produce an artifact. Evaluation feeds back externally — shaping how B thinks and works over time.
B — internalsObjective layerWorkflowToolsInformationGoal alignment← find friction here: what slows, degrades, or costs B — in time, quality, cost →Subjective layerBehaviorMental modelsfixedflexible
Step 3 — Inside B
Locate friction in the objective layer. Respect the subjective layer — solutions adapt to people.
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