HUMMBL-Unified-Tier-Framework

Glossary

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Core Terms

Base-N Architecture
Progressive mental model selection framework (Base6 through BASE120) aligned with learning tiers and problem complexity.

BASE120
Complete mental model framework consisting of 120 models across 6 transformations. Status: Validated October 31, 2025 (9.1/10 quality).

Complexity
Number of interconnected factors, stakeholder perspectives, and emergent behaviors in a problem. Distinct from difficulty.

Learning Tier
Stage of expertise development (Tier 0-4): Awareness, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Master.

Problem Tier
Classification of problem complexity (Tier 1-5): Simple, Complicated, Complex, Wicked, Super-Wicked.

Wickedness Scoring
5-question assessment tool (0-30 points) for quantifying problem complexity across stakeholder agreement, information completeness, solution finality, learning dynamics, and time pressure.

Problem Types

Simple Problems (Tier 1)
Clear cause-effect, complete information, permanent solutions possible. Score: 0-9 points.

Complicated Problems (Tier 2)
Multiple components, requires expertise, predictable outcomes. Score: 10-14 points.

Complex Problems (Tier 3)
Emergent behaviors, incomplete information, adaptive solutions required. Score: 15-19 points.

Wicked Problems (Tier 4)
No definitive formulation, stakeholder disagreement, solutions create new problems. Score: 20-24 points.

Super-Wicked Problems (Tier 5)
All Tier 4 characteristics PLUS time running out, causers are solvers, weak/no authority, irrational future discounting. Score: 25-30 points.

Learning Stages

Tier 0: Awareness
Pre-learning stage, building vocabulary, exploring concepts.

Tier 1: Beginner (Tool User)
Can apply individual models with guidance, follows procedures, uses templates.

Tier 2: Intermediate (Integrator)
Combines multiple models, adapts to context, developing judgment.

Tier 3: Advanced (Architect)
Designs custom frameworks, creates new combinations, recognizes meta-patterns.

Tier 4: Master (Creator)
Extends framework itself, conducts research, contributes to field advancement.

Base-N Levels

Base6
6 foundational mental models for beginners and simple problems.

Base12
12 models for emerging practitioners and complicated problems.

Base24
24 models for professional practitioners and complex problems.

Base36
36 models for advanced practitioners and wicked problems.

Base42
42 models for expert/master level practitioners.

BASE120
Complete 120-model framework for researchers and super-wicked problems.

Assessment Terms

Stakeholder Agreement
Degree of consensus among parties affected by or involved in the problem.

Information Completeness
Availability and clarity of relevant data and knowledge.

Solution Finality
Whether solutions are permanent, stable, or require ongoing adaptation.

Learning Dynamics
Role of experimentation and adaptation in finding solutions.

Time Pressure
Urgency and temporal constraints affecting problem-solving.

Framework Components

5-Question Assessment
Wickedness scoring tool evaluating problems across 5 dimensions, 0-6 points each.

6 Transformations
BASE120 organization: Cognitive, Systems, Strategic, Social, Evolutionary, Meta models.

Tier Classification
Process of mapping wickedness scores to problem complexity levels.

Cognitive Load
Mental effort required to process information. Base-N manages load through progressive complexity.

Emergence
Patterns or behaviors arising from system interactions, not predictable from components alone.

Mental Model
Framework for understanding and reasoning about a domain or problem.

Systems Thinking
Approach focusing on interconnections, feedback loops, and holistic understanding.