# Interaction Pattern Selection

Choose the smallest sufficient pattern.

| Need | Preferred pattern |
|---|---|
| Re-enter without urgency | Calm start |
| Understand what deserves attention | Attention brief |
| Explore or decide through dialogue | Guided conversation |
| Hold references temporarily | Collection tray |
| Manipulate relevant structured information | Inline instrument |
| Inspect one Element in context | Element Lens |
| Make an Element the temporary workspace | Element Stage |
| Review a possible change | Proposed change |
| Confirm authority or consequence | Action Gate |
| Follow multi-step work | Execution timeline |
| Understand what happened | Receipt / Record |
| Orient across Realms and relationships | Atlas |

## Rules

- The Atlas is an orientation mode, not the universal work surface.
- Instruments appear because the intention requires them, then recede.
- One surface must dominate. Supporting surfaces should not compete at equal weight.
- Connected calendars and tools remain hidden until their contents or controls matter.
- Collaborators remain ambient after invitation unless speaking, changing, authorizing, or being explicitly inspected.
- Color communicates state or meaning; it does not assign a decorative color to every entity.
- Motion should explain arrival, relationship, state change, and return—not provide constant spectacle.
