Methodology
Conscious Stack Design (CTD)
A systems-aware methodology that aligns human capacities ("inner tech") with external technologies ("outer tech"). It transforms digital chaos into clarity by helping individuals, teams, and organizations design stacks that enhance focus, resilience, and long-term evolution.
What is CTD?
CTD is more than a productivity framework—it's a way of designing technology use as a mirror of culture, cognition, and intention. Instead of letting tools dictate behavior, CTD ensures that technologies amplify human strengths while reducing cognitive overload.
Core Premise: Tools are not neutral. Every tool we adopt subtly shapes how we think, act, and connect. CTD makes this influence visible—and intentional.
Frameworks that make up CTD
1. Layer 0: Cognition
The foundation of CTD. Before choosing any tool, CTD begins with human rhythm and cognition: attention, memory, intuition, circadian cycles, and emotional regulation.
- • Attention hygiene (single-tasking, distraction resets)
- • Rhythm alignment (working with chronotypes, energy peaks)
- • Embodied feedback (HRV, posture, sleep as signals)
2. Stack Mapping
A visual audit of tools, workflows, and processes. Stack Maps reveal redundancies, gaps, and misalignments across substacks (e.g., communication, collaboration, automation).
Purpose: Turn invisible digital chaos into visible landscapes.
3. Stack Profiles
A diagnostic system with 20 archetypes, combining 5 maturity stages × 4 orientations (Innovator, Integrator, Optimizer, Stabilizer).
Use: Spot blind spots, failure points, and natural strengths.
4. Stack Maturity Model
Five stages of stack evolution:
- • Fragmented (chaos, sprawl)
- • Siloed (isolation)
- • Integrated (connected flows)
- • Aligned (stack reflects values/strategy)
- • Resonant (stack amplifies culture & impact)
5. 5:3:1 Rule
A simple rule for stack coherence:
- • 5 (±2) tools per category (maximum)
- • 3 support tools (active at a time)
- • 1 anchor tool (mastered in each category)
This rule ensures depth, not sprawl.
6. Stacks vs. Categories
Categories describe functions (communication, project management, design). Stacks describe selections (your unique combination of tools across categories).
Artefacts of CTD
CTD produces tangible outputs (artefacts) that guide conscious technology use:
Stack Maps
Visual representations of current or future-state tool ecosystems
Stack Profiles
Diagnostic results showing archetype & maturity stage
Stack Audits
Reports highlighting redundancies, risks, and opportunities
Human Stack Charters
Team agreements on attention, rhythms, and digital hygiene
Cognitive Tax Reports
Measures of context-switching and tool-induced friction
The General Method
CTD unfolds as an iterative cycle:
Why CTD Matters
Clarity
Reduces cognitive overload and tool fatigue.
Alignment
Ensures technology reflects culture, values, and strategy.
Resilience
Builds adaptive systems that evolve with future tech waves.
Cognition Upgrade
Prepares humans for interplanetary futures by strengthening both inner and outer tech.
Conscious Tech Design is how we upgrade human cognition for future tech waves—making the invisible, visible.