The World Beyond Your Head

Crawford introduces the concept of a “jig” as a tool or method that simplifies and guides repetitive actions, enhancing efficiency and accuracy without the need for constant active thought. He extends this concept from physical to informational environments, where experts organize their spaces to streamline their cognitive processes. For example, a bartender arranges glasses or a cook organizes ingredients in a specific order to represent and manage complex sequences of tasks visually and spatially, effectively “jigging” their workspace.

Moreover, the author explores the implications of jigs on human cognition, suggesting that our cognitive abilities are significantly “scaffolded” by our environments. This scaffolding extends our mental capacities beyond the inherent limitations of our brains, incorporating tools and cultural practices that effectively become part of our cognitive systems.

Crawford presents the skilled practice environments as ecologies of attention that practitioners navigate and manipulate to maintain focus and efficiency. This contrasts with environments where behavior is externally controlled or restricted, as in the case of “nudges,” or overly prescriptive systems like those found in assembly-line work, highlighting a deeper philosophical inquiry into how we understand and enable human agency and autonomy in various contexts.

Additionally, Crawford examines the concept of “cultural jigs,” which are deeply embedded societal norms and practices that historically helped regulate behavior and promote virtues such as thrift.