#4 - Mental models and frameworks

In this episode of "What Have I Missed?" Andy Fallshaw and Lina Calabria discuss the importance of mental representations and frameworks in understanding and navigating the world.

They start by reading a quote from Anders Ericsson, a researcher in deliberate practice, who emphasizes the role of mental representations in achieving mastery in a field.

They explore the concept of a map vs territory, using the example of the London Underground map to illustrate how maps simplify and abstract reality. They also introduce the idea of "carry worlds," a model they have developed at Bellroy to understand different contexts of carrying and designing products accordingly. The conversation highlights the need for multiple mental models and the importance of knowing their limitations.

A few of the resources that were mentioned in this episode:

Anders Ericsson quote:

"What sets expert performers apart from everyone else is the quality and quantity of their mental representations. Through years of practice, they develop highly complex and sophisticated representations of the various situations they are likely to encounter in their fields. These representations allow them to make faster, more accurate decisions and respond more quickly and effectively in a given situation." - Anders Ericsson

• London Underground Map
• Farnam Street
• Charlie Munger is the Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway⁠ (the American multinational conglomerate owned by Warren Buffet) - Read more this FS article "Who is Charlie Munger" and in his book "Poor Charlie's Almanack"
• Bellroy's Carry Worlds

We'd love your feedback, please get in touch with us: ⁠podcast@bellroy.com⁠