Model-First Reasoning (MFR)

Paradigm that separates problem representation from problem solving. Before reasoning, explicitly construct a model of the problem space. All subsequent reasoning operates strictly within this model.

When to Use This Skill

• Multi-step planning with dependencies
• Resource allocation problems
• Scheduling with constraints
• Any task where "it depends on previous steps"
• Problems with explicit rules/invariants
• Tasks with keywords: "plan", "schedule", "allocate", "optimize", "solve", "coordinate"

Skip for:

• Single-step factual queries
• Creative tasks without hard constraints
• Simple transformations

Core Principle