principle-exhaust-the-design-space

穷尽设计空间

When a novel interaction or architectural decision has no established precedent, explore several concrete alternatives before implementation. Building the wrong thing costs more than exploring three options.

新交互或架构决策没有既定先例时，实现前先探索几个具体备选。做错一件比探索三个选项更贵。

The rule. When the right answer is not obvious, build 2-3 competing prototypes or sketches. Compare them side by side. Only then commit. Design it twice is this rule by another name. A second flavor of the first shape does not count.

规则。 正确答案不明显时，做 2–3 个竞争原型或 sketch。并排比较。再承诺。「设计两遍」是同一条规则的别名。同一形状的第二种口味不算。

When it applies:

适用：

• Novel UI interactions (no prior art in the codebase)

• Architectural choices with multiple viable approaches

• Product design decisions where user experience depends on feel, not logic

• 新 UI 交互（代码库无先例）

• 有多种可行路径的架构选择

• 体验取决于手感而非逻辑的产品设计决策

When it doesn’t:

不适用：

• Mechanical implementation where the pattern is established

• Bug fixes or refactors with a clear target state

• Changes where constraints dictate a single viable approach

• 模式已确立的机械实现

• 目标状态清楚的 bug 修复或重构

• 约束只允许一条可行路径的改动