Scientific Definition
Complex adaptive systems
Plain-English Definition
Complex adaptive systems
Feynman Explanation
Complex adaptive systems
Core Principle
Complex adaptive systems
Mechanisms
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Inputs (Triggers)
Pending editorial review.
Outputs (Behaviors)
Pending editorial review.
Behavioral Signature
Complex adaptive systems
Examples
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Famous Experiments
Pending editorial review.
Design Principles
Pending editorial review.
Measurement Approaches
Pending editorial review.
Evidence
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
The Perverse Incentive Lens™
How this behavior is exploited — and how to redesign around it.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Interactive Mini Network
Click any neighbor to re-center the graph and follow the threads of connection.
Knowledge Graph Neighbors
Auto-linked to the rest of the Human Behavior Taxonomy by family, domain, dimension, and shared keywords.
Patterns between two people
The context that shapes behavior
Laws, systems, and governance
Rules shape competition
Structures enable or constrain
Unwritten rules guide behavior
Approach motivation — pursuit of rewards and goals.
Avoidance motivation — sensitivity to punishment, uncertainty, and threat.
Systems that shape our future
Systems that gain from disorder.
Seeks connection and safety
We notice things selectively