thinking-cynefin
Classify problems by complexity domain (clear, complicated, complex, chaotic) and match approach to domain. Use for choosing methodologies, problem framing, and process design.
npx skills add majiayu000/claude-skill-registry --skill thinking-cynefin --agent claude-code
Same command for any agent — swap --agent for codex, cursor, copilot.
Weekly change comes from our own snapshots, not the repository page — it measures attention, not adoption.
# Cynefin Framework ## Overview The Cynefin framework, developed by Dave Snowden, classifies problems into domains based on the relationship between cause and effect. Different domains require fundamentally different approaches. Using the wrong approach for the domain leads to failure—agile doesn't fix truly complex problems, and detailed planning doesn't help in chaos. **Core Principle:** The nature of the problem determines the nature of the solution. Match your approach to the domain. ## When to Use - Choosing the right methodology for a project - Understanding why an approach isn't working - Designing processes for different problem types - Deciding how much to plan vs. experiment - Understanding organizational challenges - Incident response and crisis management Decision flow: ``` Facing a problem? → What's the relationship between cause and effect? → Obvious? → CLEAR DOMAIN → Requires analysis? → COMPLICATED DOMAIN → Only visible in retrospect? → COMPLEX DOMAIN → Cannot perceive? → CHAOTIC DOMAIN ``` ## The Five Domains ### 1. Clear (formerly Simple/Obvious) **Characteristics:** - Cause and effect are obvious to everyone - Best practices exist and work - Repeatable processes
- Overview
- When to Use
- The Five Domains
- 1. Clear (formerly Simple/Obvious)
- 2. Complicated
- 3. Complex
- 4. Chaotic
- 5. Disorder (Center)
- Domain Assessment
- Step 1: Assess Cause-Effect Relationship
- Step 2: Test Your Assessment
- Step 3: Match Approach
- Common Mismatches
- Treating Complex as Complicated
What does the thinking-cynefin skill do?
Classify problems by complexity domain (clear, complicated, complex, chaotic) and match approach to domain. Use for choosing methodologies, problem framing, and process design.
How do I install it?
Run `npx skills add majiayu000/claude-skill-registry --skill thinking-cynefin --agent claude-code` — it drops the skill into your project so the agent can pick it up. Swap the --agent value for codex, cursor or copilot if you use one of those.
Where does this skill come from?
From majiayu000/claude-skill-registry, a repository with 534 stars. We read it straight from the repository tree rather than a submitted listing, so what you see here is what is actually published.
Is a popular skill a good skill?
Not necessarily. Stars measure attention, not adoption — a repository can trend for a week and be abandoned. That is why we show the weekly change from our own snapshots next to the total, instead of a single flattering number.