Temporal Friction
The cognitive science is precise. Kahneman's dual-process model distinguishes between System 1 (fast, automatic, heuristic) and System 2 (slow, deliberate, analytical) processing. Accepting an AI suggestion without pause is a System 1 operation: the output looks right, the pattern matches, the click fires. Imposing a delay forces the transition to System 2: the output must survive architectural scrutiny before deployment.
During those ten minutes, the Steward performs a manual architectural audit. Does the generated code introduce new dependencies? Does it modify shared state? Does it change the contract of an existing function? Does the naming reflect the system's vocabulary or the model's generic defaults? The audit does not need to be exhaustive. It needs to be intentional.
The Minimum Viable Investment
Research on automation bias demonstrates that operators required to articulate a justification before accepting an automated recommendation exhibit significantly lower error rates than operators who accept without justification. The delay is the justification's precondition. Without the delay, System 1 commits before System 2 activates.
The Ten-Minute Rule is the minimum viable investment in continued sovereignty.
Field Note: "Slowing people down is sometimes the best way to serve them."