iceberg-model
Skill3 starsChanged 6 months agoMITView on GitHub
Use the iceberg model to move from visible events to patterns, structures, and mental models. Use when seeking root causes, system leverage points, or deeper explanations for recurring issues.
In this repository23 other files it gives its agents.
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The file
Files
Iceberg Model
Overview
- Category: Systems Thinking
- Purpose: Uncover root causes of events by exploring deeper levels of abstraction
How to Use
Four Levels of the Iceberg Model
- Events: What is happening right now
- Patterns: Trends over time
- Structures: Connections and influences behind patterns
- Mental Models: Underlying values, beliefs, and assumptions
Investigative Questions
- Events: "What is happening right now?"
- Patterns: "What has been happening over time? What are the trends?"
- Structures: "What's influencing these patterns?"
- Mental Models: "What values, beliefs or assumptions shape the system?"
Example Scenario
A product team experiencing multiple bugs in a new feature:
- Event: Bugs in the released feature
- Pattern: Consistent bug occurrence in new releases
- Structure: Lack of pre-release testing, tight deadlines
- Mental Model: Prioritizing shipping speed over quality
Key Insights
- Events and patterns show what is happening
- Structures and mental models reveal why it's happening
- The deeper you investigate, the more leverage you gain for solving problems
Resources
- Worksheet available in Untools Worksheets bundle
Sources
- "Connecting Systems Thinking and Action" by Ed Cunliff
- "Visualizing the systems behind our designs" by Justin Farrugia
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