Core
The knowledge we have can be split into:
- things we know
- things we know we do not know
- thinks we do not know we do not know
Three Levels of the Knowledge Pyramid
1. Stuff You Know (Top of Pyramid)
- Technologies, frameworks, languages, and tools used daily
- Example: Java programming for a Java developer
- Represents Technical Depth
- Requires continuous maintenance - expertise deteriorates without active practice
- Early-career focus for developers building expertise
2. Stuff You Know You Don’t Know (Middle Section)
- Things you’ve heard of but lack expertise in
- Example: Clojure programming language - developers know it exists but can’t code in it
- Acts as a transition zone between known and unknown
- Naturally expands when developers encounter new technologies
3. Stuff You Don’t Know You Don’t Know (Largest Bottom Section)
- Encompasses the entire universe of technologies that would be perfect solutions, but technologists are unaware they exist
- Represents blind spots and missed opportunities
- The most dangerous knowledge gap because it’s invisible
- Source of potential game-changing solutions
Relationship to Other Concepts
- Connects to: 01-Technical-Breadth-vs-Depth
- Relates to: Technology Radar
- Informs: The 20-Minute Rule for career development
- Supports: Architectural Thinking framework
Source: Fundamentals of Software Architecture - Mark Richards & Neal Ford
Note
This content was drafted with assistance from AI tools for research, organization, and initial content generation. All final content has been reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by the author to ensure accuracy and alignment with the author’s intentions and perspective.