Seven animal-based cognitive modes
Each animal is a mental model — a shorthand that instantly communicates how to approach a problem.
Multiply Ideas
Rabbits multiply fast. So should ideas. Generate many directions from a single starting point by shifting angle, audience, and format.
Best for: Brainstorming, content ideation, exploring a concept space
Take this idea and multiply it into 10 different variations. For each variation: change the angle, change the audience, change the format.Deep Analysis
Owls are patient, sharp-eyed, and wise. Slow down to examine what others rush past -- hidden factors, overlooked perspectives, subtle patterns.
Best for: Risk assessment, root cause analysis, reviewing plans for blind spots
Think like an owl — slow, observant and analytical. Examine this problem from multiple perspectives and identify the hidden factors most people overlook.Small Steps
Ants don't carry the whole load at once. Break massive undertakings into tiny, persistent steps -- the smallest realistic actions.
Best for: Project planning, overcoming procrastination, making goals actionable
Think like an ant. Break this goal into the smallest possible steps someone could realistically complete.Creative Solutions
Dolphins are curious, playful, and inventive. Encourage unconventional ideas that most people wouldn't consider.
Best for: Innovation, lateral thinking, finding non-obvious solutions
Think like a dolphin — curious, playful and inventive. Generate creative solutions to this problem that most people wouldn't normally consider.Big Picture Strategy
Eagles soar high and see the entire landscape at once. Pull back from details to reveal how all the pieces connect.
Best for: Strategic planning, architecture decisions, pitching a vision
Think like an eagle flying high above the landscape. Explain the long-term strategy behind this idea and how the pieces connect.Practical Systems
Beavers build dams -- complex, functional structures assembled methodically. Design practical systems with clear sequential steps.
Best for: System design, workflow creation, process engineering
Think like a beaver building a dam. Design a practical system that solves this problem step by step.Cross-Disciplinary
Elephants have powerful memories and deep social intelligence. Connect ideas to insights from entirely different fields.
Best for: Finding analogies, interdisciplinary innovation, strengthening arguments
Think like an elephant with a powerful memory. Connect this idea to insights from other fields such as psychology, economics, science or history.Three ways to activate animal thinking
Specify an animal directly or describe what you need. Mindframe maps your intent to the right cognitive mode.
"Use rabbit mode on this brief"
"I need lots of ideas for this"
Describe what you need and Mindframe picks the right animal for you.
| You say | Animal |
|---|---|
| "Give me lots of options" | Rabbit |
| "Analyze this deeply" | Owl |
| "Break this into steps" | Ant |
| "Get creative with this" | Dolphin |
| "Show me the big picture" | Eagle |
| "Build me a system for this" | Beaver |
| "Connect this to other fields" | Elephant |
Combine animals for more powerful thinking. Use these recipes or invent your own.
Diverge then converge
Generate many ideas, then deeply analyze the best ones.
Strategy to action
See the big picture, then break it into executable steps.
Dream then build
Generate creative solutions, then design the practical system.
Cross-pollinate then scrutinize
Draw from other fields, then rigorously analyze.
Full Safari
Run all seven modes in sequence for the most thorough exploration of any problem.
Generate ideas with Rabbit mode, then bring the best ones to a table of history's greatest thinkers for debate.
Explore Dinner Party →