The Simple Automation Model I Keep Coming Back To

Whenever automation starts feeling messy, I go back to one simple model:

trigger → decision → outcome.

The trigger is the event that starts everything. It should be clear and intentional, not “just in case.” If the trigger is noisy, the whole system becomes noisy.

The decision is where logic lives. This is where conditions, checks, or lightweight AI fit in. Good decisions are simple and observable — you should always be able to explain why a workflow went down a certain path.

The outcome is the result that removes manual work or friction. If the outcome isn’t clearly useful, the automation probably doesn’t need to exist yet.

I’ve found that when these three parts are solid, workflows stay readable, adaptable, and easy to improve over time. Tools may change, but this structure keeps everything grounded.

Most durable automation isn’t complex — it’s well-structured.what framework or principle do you usually return to?

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