> [!cite]- Metadata > 2025-05-09 23:07 > Status: #schema > Tags: [[Concept]] [[Knowledge]] [[5 - Atlas/Tags/Philosophy]] [[5 - Atlas/Tags/Psychology]] [[Technique]] [[Thinking]] `Read Time: 3m 14s` >High Level Overview: An approach that seeks to achieve depth and effectiveness by intentionally reducing complexity. It integrates principles from lean startup methodology, systems theory, and antifragility to create adaptive, resilient, and effective systems that are just robust enough to meet core objectives - no more, no less. Core Characteristics: Reduction of Complexity MVS focuses on identifying and implementing only the essential systems or processes required for an organization or project to function effectively, eliminating unnecessary elements that add complexity without value. Lean Startup Principles Drawing from lean startup methodology, MVS emphasizes: Building a minimum viable product (MVP) or process to test assumptions quickly and efficiently. Rapid cycles of build-measure-learn, using feedback to iterate and improve while avoiding over-engineering. Validated learning to ensure that every system or process is justified by real-world needs and data, not by habit or convention. Systems Theory: MVS applies systems thinking by recognizing that organizations and projects are complex, interconnected wholes. The goal is to design systems that are viable-capable of surviving and adapting in dynamic environments - while keeping them as simple as possible. Antifragility (Taleb): Inspired by Nassim Nicholas Taleb's concept of antifragility, MVS aims to create systems that not only withstand shocks and volatility but actually improve and adapt when exposed to stressors. Simpler, modular systems are often more resilient and easier to adapt or repair than complex, monolithic ones. MVS in Practice - Start Small, Scale Wisely: Begin with the minimum set of systems needed to operate and validate assumptions. Add complexity only when justified by evidence or necessity. - Iterative Improvement Use feedback loops to refine and evolve systems, discarding or modifying components that do not contribute to core objectives. - Focus on Adaptability Systems should be designed to adapt to changing conditions, with modularity and simplicity enhancing the ability to pivot or recover from disruptions. - Balance Efficiency and Resilience While reducing waste and complexity, ensure that the system remains robust enough to handle variability and uncertainty - key to antifragility. ### Comparison Table |Aspect|Minimal Viable Systems Thinking (MVS)|Lean Startup Principles|Systems Theory|Antifragility (Taleb)| |---|---|---|---|---| |Complexity|Reduced to essentials|MVP, avoid overbuilding|Holistic, interconnected|Simplicity enhances resilience| |Learning/Adaptation|Iterative, feedback-driven|Build-measure-learn|Continuous adaptation|Gains from disorder| |Core Focus|Essential systems, minimal waste|Fast validation, customer value|Viability, autonomy|Robustness, adaptability| |Response to Uncertainty|Modular, flexible, easily adjusted|Pivot or persevere|Requisite variety, feedback|Benefits from stressors| Key Insights MVS is about doing more with less: By stripping systems down to their essentials, organizations can move faster, adapt more easily, and avoid the pitfalls of unnecessary complexity. Learning and adaptation are central: Borrowing from lean startup, MVS relies on rapid feedback and iterative development to ensure systems remain relevant and effective. Simplicity breeds resilience Modular, minimal systems are easier to repair, adapt, and strengthen in the face of shocks-aligning with Taleb's antifragility. Systems Thinking Provides the Backbone Even as complexity is reduced, a holistic view ensures that essential interconnections and feedback loops are maintained, supporting long-term viability. Depth-Gauging Questions: - What's the smallest system I can build that still produces the desired effect? - Which part of this system creates the greatest impact? - What elements of this process can be removed without failure? - Is this system adaptive under stress or fragile under pressure? - Can I re-deploy this same system in a different context with minimal modification? Signal of Depth: - You can identify the Core Engine of a system and strip away everything else. You design lean and antifragile structures. --- ### **References** [The 6 Principles of Minimum Viable Replacement (MVR) | HatchWorks AI](https://hatchworks.com/blog/software-development/the-6-principles-of-minimum-viable-replacement-mvr/) [Viable system model - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viable_system_model) [What Are Your Minimum Viable Systems? (MVS)](https://www.systemology.com/mvs/) [Minimum Viable Process - by Molly Graham - Lessons](https://mollyg.substack.com/p/minimum-viable-process) [Stafford Beer's Viable System Model (VSM) – BusinessBalls.com](https://www.businessballs.com/strategy-innovation/viable-system-model-stafford-beer/) [What is Lean Startup? | Exploring Lean Startup Principles](https://leanstartup.co/about/principles/) [What is Systems Thinking? Everything You Need to Know (2025) - SixSigma.us](https://www.6sigma.us/systems-thinking/what-is-systems-thinking/) [The 10 Core Principles of a Lean Startup](https://www.waveon.io/en/blog/Core-principles-of-Lean-Startup) [Lean Startup Model: Key Principles and Stages - Shopify](https://www.shopify.com/blog/lean-startup-model) [Revolutionize Your Innovation: Embrace the Power of Lean Startup Methodology](https://www.sorenkaplan.com/lean-startup-methodology/) [5 Phases of Design Thinking for Effective Innovation | AMA](https://www.ama.org/marketing-news/the-5-phases-of-design-thinking/) [What is Design Thinking & Why Is It Beneficial? – IDEO U](https://www.ideou.com/blogs/inspiration/what-is-design-thinking) [Design Thinking: Key Principles, Stages, and Goals Explained](https://www.badrukaschoolofmanagement.edu.in/design-thinking-principles-stages-goals/) [Practicing Design Thinking | Artisan Creative](https://www.artisancreative.com/practicing-design-thinking/) [Design Thinking Mindsets for Human-Centered Design](https://www.innovationtraining.org/design-thinking-mindsets/) [Design Thinking: Principles and process of design thinking in product development](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/design-thinking-principles-process-product-sakshi-gupta-cspo--yu3de) [(PDF) The Craftsperson, Tacit Knowledge, and Digital Embodiment](https://www.academia.edu/76109934/The_Craftsperson_Tacit_Knowledge_and_Digital_Embodiment) [(PDF) Design and Craft Thinking Analysed as Embodied Cognition](https://www.academia.edu/26826740/Design_and_Craft_Thinking_Analysed_as_Embodied_Cognition) [(PDF) The Embodied Art of Craft](https://www.academia.edu/64902911/The_Embodied_Art_of_Craft) [[Practicing Powerful Thinking]] [[Mastery Thinking]] [[Framework for Developing Powerful Thinking]] [[Concept of Operations]] [[Advanced Cognitive Techniques and Mental Models]] [[First Principles Thinking]] [[Artisan Thinking]]