When switching between cognitive contexts, insert a
When switching between cognitive contexts, insert a deliberate transition protocol that closes the old context and loads the new one, rather than assuming instantaneous context transfer.
Why This Is a Principle
This principle is grounded in multiple axioms about working memory and task-switching costs. Working Memory Capacity Limit establishes working memory's limited capacity (3-5 items). Exponential Information Decay shows exponential decay of unrehearsed information. Task-switching generates attention residue that persists shows attention residue persists after task switches. Task switching between different types of cognitive work shows task switching imposes measurable time costs. The principle follows: if working memory is limited (Working Memory Capacity Limit), information decays (Exponential Information Decay), attention residue persists (Task-switching generates attention residue that persists), and switching has costs (Task switching between different types of cognitive work), then you must deliberately flush old context and load new context rather than assuming instant transfer. This is prescriptive, actionable, and general across contexts.