Trilemma¶

Source: hooks/ways/meta/think/strategies/trilemma.md

Signature¶

keywords: balance trade-off competing three objectives tension pick two can't have all sacrifice versus

Stages¶

1. Problem Reception¶

Identify the three competing objectives. Name them clearly. Example: speed vs cost vs reliability.

2. Threshold Setting¶

For each objective, define "good enough" — the minimum acceptable level. This is satisficing, not maximizing. You cannot optimize all three; you can satisfy all three.

3. Trade-Off Mapping¶

Build a matrix: improving objective A by N% costs objective B by X% and objective C by Y%. Make the trade-offs explicit and quantified where possible.

4. Satisficing Proposal¶

Propose a solution. Score it against all three thresholds. Does it meet "good enough" on each?

5. Equilibrium Check¶

If any objective is below threshold, adjust. What's the minimum change to bring it above threshold without pushing another below? If impossible, revisit the thresholds — one of them may be unrealistic.

Document the final balance point and the accepted trade-offs. Be explicit about what was sacrificed and why.