# AI For Dummies — Models

← ROUTE MAP 01 / MODELS field guide ↗

Model routing

# Choose the
engine.

A model has a capability ceiling. Effort controls how much room it gets to reason. Route by uncertainty and verification cost.

LOW

## Bounded rhythm

Lookup, small edits, formatting, and transformations with clear checks.

MEDIUM

## Default work

Normal implementation where the contract is clear but context matters.

HIGH

## Ambiguity

Planning, architecture, security judgment, and hard failures.

Two knobs

## Capability
× effort

ROUTING RULE `strong model + high effort → frame ambiguity · light model + low effort → bounded execution · raise one knob at a time → compare evidence`

Sequence

## Spend judgment
where it compounds.

01
Plan Strong model: scope, risks, acceptance, and worktree split.
02
Build Focused worker: smallest context and lightest model that can pass.
03
Review Independent pass when missed issues cost more than the call.