A Deeper Exploration of Functional Interdependence
The Ontolokey Cube: A Three-Dimensional Cognitive Model
Unlike traditional typological systems such as MBTI, which depict personality through a flat structure of four functions, Ontolokey offers a visually spatial model that captures the interconnectivity and functional gradients between all eight Jungian cognitive functions. The Ontolokey Cube conceptualizes each function as a vertex (corner) of a cube. These eight functions are:
- Thinking (T): Ti (Introverted Thinking), Te (Extraverted Thinking)
- Feeling (F): Fi (Introverted Feeling), Fe (Extraverted Feeling)
- Sensing (S): Si (Introverted Sensing), Se (Extraverted Sensing)
- Intuition (N): Ni (Introverted Intuition), Ne (Extraverted Intuition)
Each function is geometrically connected to three others via the cube’s edges. Along these edges (conceptualized as rods or axes) are sliders that indicate an individual’s relative preference or usage of the two functions connected by that edge. This visual representation provides an elegant solution to a long-standing issue in typology: the false dichotomy of function preference.
Whereas traditional models may label a person a “Ti user,” Ontolokey shows that individuals rarely operate with a purely isolated function. Instead, their cognition is distributed across multiple interconnected modalities — in degrees of use rather than absolutes.
This aligns with Jung’s original premise:
“There is no such thing as a pure extravert or a pure introvert. Such a man would be in the lunatic asylum.”
(Jung, Psychological Types, 1921)
The cube’s structure visualizes this psychological truth.
The Dynamic Functional Quartet: Dominant, Helper, Sibling, and Toddler
Each dominant function within the Ontolokey system is embedded in a functional matrix of four, consisting of:
- Dominant Function – the primary lens through which a person filters reality. It is the most differentiated and energetically charged function.
- Helper Function (Auxiliary) – supports the dominant and helps maintain psychological balance, especially in social and practical contexts.
- Sibling Function – shares the same domain (T/F/N/S) but has the opposite attitude (introverted ↔ extraverted). Often subtly present, it balances the primary approach with alternative strategies.
- Toddler Function – developmentally immature yet behaviorally relevant. Though less conscious, it significantly affects emotional reactivity, practical challenges, and blind spots.
These four functions form a “Tripod Configuration”, where the dominant function acts as the central hub supported by the three others — akin to a camera mounted on a tripod: stable, yet mobile and flexible. The metaphor captures the functional interdependence Jung alluded to in his later works but which models like MBTI often reduce to linear stacks.
Each connection (dominant ↔ other) is visualized with a slider, indicating the degree of balance or imbalance in real-life use. Unlike MBTI’s binary typology (e.g., “INFJ” or “ESTP”), Ontolokey models the tensions between functions and encourages individual variability and adaptive integration.
Visual Percentages: Quantifying Psychological Dynamics
Ontolokey introduces a visual metric system to reflect function utilization along three core axes:
- Dominant ↔ Helper
- Dominant ↔ Sibling
- Dominant ↔ Toddler
Each edge has a slider, and its position represents the percentage of preference or activation. For instance:
- A slider 80% toward Ti and 20% toward Te indicates a strong introverted logical style, but not a complete exclusion of extraverted reasoning.
- Similarly, a 50/50 split between Fi and Fe may suggest ambivalence or versatility in affective expression.
These percentages offer continuous, non-binary data and reflect the dynamic interplay of cognition. This approach aligns with more modern psychological assessments that move away from typological rigidity (e.g., Big Five trait spectra) and embrace dimensional modeling — a central concept in contemporary personality research.
Psychological Relevance
- Sliders as feedback tools: This quantitative approach enables self-awareness and coaching tools. It can help individuals track functional development over time.
- Therapeutic use: The cube can help therapists identify underdeveloped or overused functions, serving as a diagnostic metaphor for behavioral rigidity or inner conflict.
- Educational relevance: For educators and parents, the model highlights areas where a child may struggle not from lack of intelligence, but from functional underdevelopment — e.g., poor Se leading to difficulties with concrete tasks or time management.
Deep Dive: What is the Toddler Function?
The Toddler Function is perhaps the most novel and misunderstood element in Ontolokey. It represents a third, peripheral yet behaviorally active function, which shares the same orientation (introversion or extraversion) as the helper, but with an opposing cognitive domain.
Example: Fi-Dominant Personality
Let’s consider someone whose dominant function is Introverted Feeling (Fi):
- If their Helper is Extraverted Sensing (Se) → their Toddler becomes Extraverted Intuition (Ne)
- If their Helper is Extraverted Intuition (Ne) → their Toddler becomes Extraverted Sensing (Se)
In both cases, the Toddler shares the attitude (Extraverted) of the Helper but serves a different cognitive purpose: perception vs. judgment, sensation vs. intuition, or thought vs. feeling.
The Toddler is not “inferior” in value but is developmentally raw — more instinctive, reactive, and prone to being overlooked unless consciously integrated.
Theoretical Justification
Jung himself hinted at this layer of the psyche in his typology of inferior functions, though he didn’t give it formal structure. Later typologists (e.g., John Beebe) proposed archetypal roles for all eight functions, suggesting that lower-tier functions have behavioral consequences — especially under stress.
The Toddler Function corresponds loosely to Beebe’s Tertiary or “Child” function, often associated with immature defense mechanisms, emotional regression, or unconscious needs.
Ontolokey’s innovation lies in giving this function a specific geometrical position, making its relationship to the dominant and helper functions visually intelligible.
The Neglected Power of the Toddler: A Case Study
Let’s take a practical scenario:
An individual with Introverted Thinking (Ti) as the Dominant function, and Extraverted Intuition (Ne) as Helper, will have Extraverted Sensing (Se) as the Toddler.
In this case:
- Ti focuses on internal logic
- Ne explores patterns, abstract potential
- Se relates to real-world sensory data: time, money, space, the body, etc.
Because Se is the Toddler, it may be functionally neglected. Such a person might:
- Forget to eat
- Mismanage finances
- Miss social cues
- Ignore physical surroundings
Not due to incapability, but due to cognitive under-attention. The intuitive helper overrides the sensory Toddler, leading to material-world vulnerabilities.
Ontolokey emphasizes this not as a flaw, but as a developmental insight: the Toddler is undeveloped, not irrelevant. With practice and intention, it can mature — much like a child growing into adolescence.
MBTI vs. Ontolokey: Key Distinctions
| Feature | MBTI | Ontolokey |
| Number of Functions | 4 per type | 8 fully modeled |
| Visualization | None; static labels | Interactive 3D Cube with function sliders |
| Sibling Function | Not explicitly defined | Core connection (dominant ↔ sibling axis) |
| Toddler Function | Ignored | Fully visualized and behaviorally modeled |
| Flexibility of Use | Assumes static function stack | Allows gradient use, change over time |
| Psychological Depth | Typological (categorical) | Integrative, dimensional, and developmentally dynamic |
Ontolokey’s model addresses one of the most common criticisms of MBTI: its lack of developmental flexibility and context sensitivity. It assumes a type remains the same across situations and life stages. Ontolokey suggests instead that functions exist in gradients, that preferences evolve, and that neglected functions matter — especially in complex real-world contexts.
Conclusion: Integrating the Toddler into the Whole Psyche
The Toddler Function represents a shadow-like zone in the psyche — often unpolished, but necessary. While the Dominant and Helper functions structure conscious behavior and decision-making, the Toddler remains a background influencer — showing up in:
- Emotional overreactions
- Sensory overwhelm
- Poor material management
- Inconsistent performance under pressure
Ignoring this function, as MBTI largely does, results in oversimplified personality theory. Integrating it, as Ontolokey proposes, leads to:
- More holistic personality development
- Greater emotional intelligence
- Better coping strategies under stress
Ultimately, the Ontolokey Cube offers more than a typology. It is a functional cartography — a map of how the mind uses, avoids, or integrates its own tools. The Toddler is a critical part of that map. Though less mature, it carries untapped potential — and deserves a seat at the table.
Ontolokey 
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