Control Complexity Dynamics - Scaffolded-Exploration Flywheel and Cognitive-Overload Trap
flowchart LR
NC[Number of\nControls]:::b1 -->|+| ECL[Extraneous\nCognitive Load]:::b1
ECL -->|"−"| AGC[Available Germane\nCapacity]:::shared
AGC -->|+| OQ[Observation\nQuality]:::r1
OQ -->|+| PR[Pattern\nRecognition]:::r1
PR -->|+| SCH[Schema\nConstruction]:::r1
SCH -->|"+ delay ⧖"| LC[Learner\nConfidence]:::r1
LC -->|+| ED[Exploration\nDepth]:::r1
ED -->|+| PR
NC -->|"−"| ED
classDef r1 fill:#4A90D9,stroke:#2C5F8A,color:#fff
classDef b1 fill:#E87D2A,stroke:#B55D15,color:#fff
classDef shared fill:#9E9E9E,stroke:#616161,color:#fff
linkStyle 8 stroke:#E53935,stroke-width:3px
R1 - Scaffolded-exploration flywheel: When control count stays tight, germane capacity feeds observation quality, which feeds pattern recognition, schema construction, confidence, and deeper exploration — a virtuous cycle.
B1 - Cognitive-overload trap: Too many controls raise extraneous load, crowd out germane capacity, and freeze exploration — starving the flywheel.
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