BASIC Mode
Fast, clear answers for straightforward questions.
What is BASIC Mode?
The fastest path to clear, concise answers.
BASIC Mode is designed for straightforward questions that need direct answers without unnecessary complexity. It minimizes cognitive overhead and delivers information in the clearest, most accessible format possible.
Perfect for checking concepts, drafting simple content, or getting quick facts, BASIC Mode uses ARIK's full architecture but optimizes for speed and clarity over depth.
When to Use BASIC Mode
- You need a concise explanation, not a deep dive
- You're checking a concept, definition, or quick fact
- You're drafting simple text like emails, bios, or headlines
- You want to get oriented before diving deeper
- You don't need step-by-step planning or multi-agent reasoning
- Time is limited and you need answers fast
How It Works – Step-by-Step
- Perception Grid parses your question and identifies the domain
- Intent Engine extracts the main goal (explain, define, list, etc.)
- Knowledge Field retrieves relevant information from ARIK's knowledge base
- Ethics Guardian checks the response for safety and accuracy
- Recursive Reasoning Engine performs a light reasoning pass without heavy debate
- Output Layer formats the answer into clear, concise text
Benefits & Strengths
Speed
Get answers in seconds without waiting for extensive analysis
Clarity
Responses are direct and easy to understand at a glance
Low Overhead
Minimal mental effort required to parse and use the information
Versatile
Works across all domains from technical to creative
Limitations & Risks
- May omit nuance: BASIC Mode prioritizes brevity, so edge cases and subtleties might be skipped
- Not ideal for complex planning: Multi-step workflows, coding projects, or strategic decisions need DETAIL or AGENTIC Mode
- Requires follow-up questions: You may need to ask several questions to build complete understanding
- Limited exploration: Won't brainstorm alternatives or debate trade-offs
Best Practices & Tips
Ask direct questions
Frame your prompt as a single, focused question. "What is X?" works better than "Tell me everything about X."
Limit scope
Keep each question to one main topic. If you have multiple questions, ask them separately.
Use follow-up prompts
If the answer feels incomplete, ask "Can you elaborate on [specific part]?" to gradually add detail.
Know when to switch
If you find yourself asking many follow-ups, switch to DETAIL or AGENTIC Mode for comprehensive answers.
Example Prompts
Example Workflows & Case Studies
Founder Sanity-Checks Concepts
A non-technical founder preparing for investor meetings uses BASIC Mode to quickly verify definitions and industry terminology. Each lookup takes 30 seconds, helping them sound confident and informed.
Student Revises Key Concepts
Before an exam, a student asks BASIC Mode to explain core concepts from their coursework in simple terms. The concise answers help reinforce understanding without overwhelming detail.
Manager Prepares Meeting Brief
A busy manager needs talking points for an upcoming team meeting. They ask BASIC Mode for quick summaries of recent project updates, getting clear bullet points in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to try BASIC Mode?
Launch ARIK and start asking your questions.