Driver & Navigator Patterns

Clear role discipline maximizes the benefits of pairing and mobbing. These patterns help keep cognitive load manageable.

Effective Patterns

• Next Intent Framing: Navigator states the next small objective before Driver begins typing.
• Dual Horizon Thinking: Driver focuses on immediate code edits; Navigator keeps an eye on two steps ahead.
• Vocabulary Sync: Agree on naming early to avoid churn.

Anti-Patterns

• Keyboard Hijack: Navigator telling exact keystrokes rather than intent.
• Silent Drift: Driver implements without group confirmation—ask for verbal "yes" on approach.
• Scope Inflation: Adding refactors mid-task—capture and defer.

Rotations & Cognitive Load

Short turns reduce pressure. If a Driver struggles, shorten turn length temporarily (3 minutes) to accelerate handoffs.

Practicing

1. Choose a small kata or bug fix.
2. Rotate every 5 minutes.
3. Navigator articulates intent before each Driver keypress sequence.
4. Retro: Which guidance felt clear vs directive?

Over time, patterns become natural—revisit them when new members join.