Principlev1

Batch similar cognitive tasks into uninterrupted blocks

Batch similar cognitive tasks into uninterrupted blocks rather than interleaving them, as loading a task set once and running it continuously costs less executive function than repeated tear-down-and-rebuild cycles.

Why This Is a Principle

Derives from Working Memory Capacity Limit (working memory limits), Directed Attention as Depletable Resource (executive function depletion), and Task-switching generates attention residue that persists (attention residue). The lesson documents switching costs through Leroy and Rubinstein research. The prescriptive principle: minimize transitions by grouping like work.

Source Lessons

L-0711

The energy cost of context switching

Every context switch depletes energy — batch similar tasks to conserve it.

Connections

Derived From (3)

AxiomWorking Memory Capacity Limit AxiomDirected Attention as Depletable Resource AxiomTask-switching generates attention residue that persists

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