Nikesh Lagun (born October 24, 2005) is a Nepalese independent researcher and interdisciplinary writer known for developing Cognitive Drive Architecture (CDA), a proposed structural field within cognitive psychology that models the internal configuration of cognitive effort and task engagement ^[1][2]. His foundational contribution to the field is Lagunian Dynamics, a first-principles theory that formalizes the mechanics of Drive using six interacting system variables ^[2]. Lagun's academic work spans cognitive science, educational research, and systems theory ^[1][2][9]. In addition to his research, he is also active as a songwriter, visual artist, and public communicator on productivity and performance ^[3][4][5].

Early Life and Education

Nikesh Lagun was born in Dhading Bensi, located in the Dhading District of Nepal, to Bhakta Bahadur Sunar and Sita Bishwakarma ^[5].  He has one older brother, Ayush Lagun, who is the CEO of AlocaSpace ^[5].

He attended Dhading Boarding Secondary School before moving to Kathmandu in 2018, where he continued his education at Kantipur English Academy and Southwestern School. He later completed his higher secondary studies (Plus Two) at St. Xavier’s College, Maitighar ^[5].

Lagun developed an early interest in music, beginning songwriting at age twelve and later learning to play guitar, drums, and keyboard ^[3]. His musical influences included Ed Sheeran, Sajjan Raj Vaidya, Samir Shrestha, and One Direction ^[3]. In addition to music, he engaged in visual art, producing mechanical sketches, concept art, and anime-inspired illustrations .

During his high school years, Lagun's curiosity extended into academic research, marking the beginning of his work in cognitive theory and systems modeling ^[2]. In 2022, he was awarded the Outstanding Award by the Private and Boarding Schools' Organization Nepal (PABSON) in recognition of his academic performance in the Secondary Education Examination (SEE–2078) ^[5].

Career

Research and Publications

Nikesh Lagun’s primary academic contribution is the establishment of Cognitive Drive Architecture (CDA), a proposed structural field within cognitive psychology that models cognitive effort as an emergent property of real-time system configuration rather than fixed motivational traits ^[1][2]. CDA addresses phenomena such as drive ignition, attentional stability, and performance variability through a formalized, systems-based framework ^[1][2]. Its foundational model is known as Lagunian Dynamics, which introduces six interacting variables across the domains of ignition, tension, and flux to structurally define Drive ^[2].

Beyond CDA, Lagun has authored several independent studies across cognitive science, education, and neuroscience, including:

• Lagun’s Law and the Foundations of Cognitive Drive Architecture: A First Principles Theory of Effort and Performance (2025), a formal exposition of Lagunian Dynamics and the core mechanics of CDA ^[2].
• Cognitive Thermostat Theory (CTT): A Control-Theoretic Model of Drive Ignition in Cognitive Drive Architecture (CDA) (2025), an application of control theory to model ignition-specific dynamics within the CDA framework ^[1].
• A Review of Social Media's Psychological Effects on Young Adults' Mental Health (2025), an analysis of cognitive and emotional outcomes associated with digital media use ^[7].
• Evaluating variation in school dropout rates in rural Nepal: A statistical study (2024), a data-driven study exploring factors influencing educational retention ^[8].
• Study of the Effects of Different Mechanical Mishaps or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) on Brain Regions (2024), a review examining the neurological impact of traumatic brain injuries ^[6].
• Observation of Dominant and Recessive Character in Humans (2023), an observational study on visible inheritance traits in human populations ^[6].

Lagun has also served as a peer reviewer for the International Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Case Reports ^[5].

Productivity Writing

Since 2024, Nikesh Lagun has authored the Weekly Productivity Pulse, a newsletter offering cognitive strategies for productivity, focus, and resilience ^[4]. The publication explores topics such as overcoming procrastination, enhancing attentional control, and aligning cognitive effort with mental readiness. Drawing on his theoretical work in Cognitive Drive Architecture, Lagun integrates structural models of Drive into actionable guidance. As of 2025, the newsletter has attracted over 3,000 subscribers ^[4].

Music and Visual Art

Nikesh Lagun composes and performs acoustic music, with releases available on platforms such as Spotify, Deezer, and YouTube Music ^[3]. His principal tracks include:

• Timi Ra Ma (2024)
• Mayalu (2024)
• Ekasi Timi (featured artist, 2024)
• Bhagi Jaun (featured artist, 2024)

In 2025, Lagun was ranked 32nd in the Pop category for Deezer fans in Nepal over a 12-month period, reflecting his growing listenership on streaming platforms ^[3]. In addition to his musical work, Lagun creates visual art, including mechanical schematics and digital illustrations. His artwork often draws inspiration from anime and concept design aesthetics ^[5].

Recognition

• Outstanding Award, Private and Boarding Schools' Organization Nepal (PABSON), awarded in 2022 for academic excellence in the Secondary Education Examination (SEE–2078) ^[5].