CSC – Presets & Mode Configurations¶
A system-level document defining standard Cognitive Signal Chain (CSC) configurations for common working modes
1. Purpose¶
This document defines named CSC presets: preconfigured pedal chains aligned to specific cognitive intents.
Its purpose is to:
- reduce decision fatigue when starting work
- make mode selection explicit
- prevent accidental overuse or underuse of CSC
Presets are usage patterns, not new systems.
2. Core Principle¶
Different intents require different chain lengths.
Running the full CSC is not always appropriate.
Presets define:
- which pedals are engaged
- which pedals are bypassed
- what risks are intentionally accepted
3. Preset: Exploration¶
Intent¶
Understand what is happening without committing to structure.
Chain¶
[Sensemaking GPT]
↓
[Assumption Excavator GPT]
Characteristics¶
- ambiguity preserved
- no constraints enforced
- no system output expected
Explicit Bypasses¶
- SDL
- Red Team / Misuse
- Translation
Risks Accepted¶
- conclusions remain tentative
- no structural validation
4. Preset: System Design¶
Intent¶
Invent or revise a system deliberately.
Chain¶
[Sensemaking GPT]
↓
[Assumption Excavator GPT]
↓
[System Design Lens GPT]
Characteristics¶
- assumptions hardened into structure
- constraints enforced
- system artifacts produced
Explicit Bypasses¶
- Red Team / Misuse
- Translation
Risks Accepted¶
- system not yet stress-tested
5. Preset: System Validation¶
Intent¶
Test whether a designed system survives misuse.
Chain¶
[System Design Lens GPT]
↓
[Red Team / Misuse GPT]
Characteristics¶
- adversarial pressure
- focus on failure modes
- no redesign during red-teaming
Explicit Bypasses¶
- Sensemaking
- Translation
Risks Accepted¶
- upstream framing assumed correct
6. Preset: Review & Repair¶
Intent¶
Diagnose and repair an existing system.
Chain¶
[Assumption Excavator GPT]
↓
[System Design Lens GPT]
↓
[Red Team / Misuse GPT]
Characteristics¶
- assumption re-surfacing
- structural revision
- targeted stress testing
Explicit Bypasses¶
- Sensemaking (unless misframing suspected)
- Translation
7. Preset: Publish / Teach¶
Intent¶
Externalize a system for others.
Chain¶
[Red Team / Misuse GPT]
↓
[Translation GPT]
Characteristics¶
- misuse risks surfaced
- audience-specific explanations
- no structural changes
Explicit Bypasses¶
- Sensemaking
- Assumption Excavator
- SDL
8. Preset: Full Rig (High Stakes)¶
Intent¶
Design a system intended for serious or long-term use.
Chain¶
[Sensemaking GPT]
↓
[Assumption Excavator GPT]
↓
[System Design Lens GPT]
↓
[Red Team / Misuse GPT]
↓
[Translation GPT]
Characteristics¶
- maximum rigor
- highest time cost
- lowest risk of naive failure
9. Preset Selection Guidance¶
Use shorter presets when:
- stakes are low
- artifacts are disposable
- speed matters more than rigor
Use longer presets when:
- systems will be reused
- others will depend on them
- failure is costly
10. Failure & Misuse Model¶
This document is misused when:
- presets are followed mechanically
- preset choice is not named
- Full Rig becomes default for all work
Common anti-pattern:
Overengineering thinking for trivial problems.
11. Relationship to CSC¶
Presets:
- operationalize CSC for daily use
- work in conjunction with Bypass & Re-entry Rules
- do not alter pedal definitions
CSC relies on presets to remain usable without becoming heavy.
End of CSC Presets & Mode Configurations.