The Minimum Viable System
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Getting Started
The Minimum Viable System
- Context file --- Describe your workspace, organisation, preferences
- Logging habit --- Capture session summaries for continuity
- Weekly review --- Process captured items, maintain awareness
That’s it. Three things. Use them for two weeks before adding more.
Build Order
| Week | Focus | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Context | AI describes workspace accurately |
| 2 | Logging skill | Sessions build on each other |
| 3 | Weekly review | System maintains itself |
| 4+ | Add for friction | Build only what you need |
A new user starts with a context file and a logging habit --- two things they can set up in an afternoon. After two weeks of that compounding, they’re ready for their first skill. Eventually, skills that require judgement get promoted to agents. Integration comes last, because connecting a system that doesn’t work yet just creates faster failure.
What Success Looks Like
After one month:
- Sessions start with context
- Yesterday’s work informs today
- You rarely explain the same thing twice
After three months:
- Compound effect is visible
- System maintenance is minimal
- New projects inherit existing infrastructure
The system should feel lighter over time, not heavier. If maintenance increases, simplify.