Minimum Effective Dose
The smallest input that produces a desired outcome, maximizing efficiency.
Also known as: MED, Minimum viable effort, Optimal dose
Category: Concepts
Tags: productivity, efficiencies, optimizations, minimalism, effectiveness
Explanation
Minimum effective dose (MED) is the smallest amount of input that produces a desired outcome - beyond which additional input provides no additional benefit and may even cause harm. Borrowed from pharmacology, the concept applies broadly: water boils at 100°C - more heat doesn't make it 'more boiled.' The principle suggests: find the minimum that works, additional effort beyond MED is wasted, and optimization means precision not maximization. Applications include: exercise (optimal recovery requires just enough stimulus), learning (minimum repetitions for retention), and productivity (smallest effort for desired result). MED thinking challenges: 'more is better' assumptions, perfectionism, and over-engineering. Identifying MED requires: experimentation, measurement, and willingness to stop at 'enough.' Risks include: underestimating the dose needed (ineffective) and confusing minimum with easy (MED may still require significant effort). For knowledge workers, MED thinking suggests: finding what actually produces results, eliminating effort that doesn't add value, and accepting 'good enough' when more doesn't help.
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