Principlev1

Build broader, shallower hierarchies for novices exploring

Build broader, shallower hierarchies for novices exploring unfamiliar domains; build deeper hierarchies for experts navigating familiar paths.

Why This Is a Principle

Derives from Expertise Transforms Perceptual Chunking (expertise changes chunk size), Expertise Through Deliberate Practice (expertise builds sophisticated mental representations), and Expertise as Domain-Specific Schema Organization (expert knowledge is domain-specific). Prescribes adapting hierarchy depth to user expertise level based on how chunking and mental models differ between novices and experts.

Source Lessons

L-0266

Depth versus breadth in hierarchies

Going deep in one branch versus wide across many branches are different strategies with different costs — and the right choice depends on whether you need resolution or coverage.

Connections

Derived From (3)

AxiomExpertise Transforms Perceptual Chunking AxiomExpertise Through Deliberate Practice AxiomExpertise as Domain-Specific Schema Organization

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