Better Thinking
Untools.co is a remarkable resource that addresses a fundamental need: better thinking tools for complex problems. Created as a comprehensive library of cognitive frameworks, it offers 25+ thinking tools organized across four essential categories:
What it offers #
Systems Thinking - Understanding how parts connect to form wholes
Decision Making - Frameworks for choosing between options
Problem Solving - Structured approaches to tackle challenges
Communication - Tools for clearer expression and understanding
Why it matters #
In an age where we’re drowning in information but starving for wisdom, Untools provides practical mental models that help us:
- Avoid cognitive traps and biases
- Structure complex problems systematically
- Make better decisions under uncertainty
- Communicate ideas more effectively
The tools range from classics like the Eisenhower Matrix and Six Thinking Hats to more specialized frameworks like the Cynefin framework for categorizing problems and the Ladder of Inference for avoiding assumptions.
Personal take #
What makes Untools special isn’t just the collection of tools—it’s the accessibility. Each tool is explained clearly with practical examples, making sophisticated thinking frameworks available to anyone willing to learn.
This is the kind of resource I wish I’d had earlier in my engineering career. The intersection of structured thinking and practical application is exactly what we need more of in both technical and creative work.
Note: This is an external link to untools.co - a free resource with optional premium content.