Framework
Mental Models

Occam's Razor

Prefer the simplest explanation

Best for
cutting through tangled theories
Time
5–15 min
Difficulty
Beginner

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Occam's Razor diagramSchematic of the Occam's Razor framework: Prefer the simplest explanation.SimplerComplex (cut by the razor)
The Occam's Razor diagram — Prefer the simplest explanation.
Example

Why is our conversion rate suddenly down 15%?

Simple explanations
  • Pricing page change shipped last Tuesday
  • Holiday seasonality returning
  • A/B test variant misconfigured
Complex explanations
  • Algorithm-driven SEO loss + competitor launch + ad-platform change
  • Cross-channel attribution drift compounding
  • Cultural shift in buyer intent

Related frameworks

Mental Models

Hanlon's Razor

Don't attribute to malice what stupidity explains

Mental Models

First Principles

Reduce to atomic truths, rebuild up

Mental Models

Chesterton's Fence

Don't remove what you don't understand

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