Base120 · Decomposition

Abstraction Laddering

DE · Decomposition

Move up and down conceptual hierarchy to find appropriate solution level

Model code
DE10
Transformation
DE (Decomposition) — Break problems into factors, layers, and independent subproblems.
Priority
10 of 20
Framework
HUMMBL Base120 — 120 mental models across 6 transformations

When to use

"Use when a problem is stuck at one level of abstraction. Move up (more abstract) to see the pattern; move down (more concrete) to see the detail. The right level is where the problem is tractable."

Example

"Why is our software slow? (concrete) -> Why does our architecture have performance bottlenecks? (more abstract) -> Why did we choose a synchronous architecture? (even more abstract) -> Because we prioritized simplicity over throughput (root value). Each level suggests different solutions."

Common misuse

"Staying at the level where you are comfortable. A detail person stays concrete and misses the pattern; a strategy person stays abstract and misses the implementation. Both are avoidance, not analysis."

Also known as

Abstraction LadderMoving Up/Down Levels

Related models

P13DE4P17