When the right response mode is unclear, classify the cause-effect domain first; decompose disorder.

Cynefin Classification Classify by cause effect, then use only the matching response mode. Wrong domain method is the failure mode. When to Use Unsure whether to run a playbook, analyze, probe, or stabilize. A method keeps failing and domain mismatch is plausible. A novel or mixed problem needs approach selection before solution work. When NOT to Use Domain and method are already agreed—execute. Task is finding a specific cause, not choosing an approach. Classification done; switch to the domain method—do not re label endlessly. Pure mechanical edits with no approach uncertainty. Procedure 1. State the unit. Name the decision, incident, or subsystem; if mixed, list separable parts. 2. Probe cause effect. Is the link obvious, expert analyzable, retrospective only, or imperceptible in turbulence? Check predictability, urgency, and probe safety. 3. Assign one domain per unit: Clear — obvious → Sense → Categorize → Respond with a runbook. Complicated — expert analyzable → Sense → Analyze → Respond; several valid answers. Complex — emergent → Probe → Sense → Respond with safe to fail probes; amplify/dampen signals. Chaotic — no safe sensing time → Act → Sense → Respond; stabilize first. Disorder — unknown → split and classify each part. 4. Mismatch check. Reject Clear if its runbook fails; Complicated if analysis cannot predict; Complex if probing is unsafe; Chaotic once safe probing becomes possible. 5. Commit and stop. Output domain + first actions. Re classify only on evidence of domain shift. Stop when every unit has one domain, first actions, and a falsifier—or disorder is decomposed. Output Verification Falsify: Reliable prediction → not Complex. No safe probe → Chaotic. Working runbook → Clear. Stop: Stop classifying once the matched action is clear. Over application guard: Do not call work Complex to avoid analysis or Complicated to avoid a standard fix. One label per unit; decompose multi domain work.

thinking-cynefin