Principlev1

Design distributed regulatory systems with requisite variety

Design distributed regulatory systems with requisite variety matching the complexity of what they regulate rather than attempting personal control of all decisions.

Why This Is a Principle

Derives from The behavior of a system arises from its structure, not from (system behavior arises from structure), Working Memory Capacity Limit (working memory limits), and Directed Attention as Depletable Resource (cognitive resources deplete). The principle translates Ashby's Law of Requisite Variety into actionable design guidance: distribute control to match system complexity. Strong, general, clearly derived.

Source Lessons

L-0538

Delegation and control

True control comes from building systems you trust to operate without your constant oversight.

Connections

Derived From (3)

AxiomWorking Memory Capacity Limit AxiomDirected Attention as Depletable Resource AxiomThe behavior of a system arises from its structure, not from

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