Nikesh Lagun (born October 24, 2005) is a Nepalese independent researcher, and interdisciplinarproductivity writer known for developing Cognitive Drive Architecture (CDA), a p, and singer-soposed structural field within cognitive psychology that models the internal configuration of congwriter. He is known for originating Cognitive effort and task engagementDrive ^[1][2]. HArchis foundational contribution to the field is Lagunian Dynamicsecture (CDA), a first-principles thframeory that formalizes the mechanics of Drive using six interacting system variableswork for modeling cognitive effort and performance regulation ^[21]. Lagun'His academic work spans cognitive science, educational research, neuroscience, and systems theory ^[1][2][9]. IAlon addition to gside his research, he is also active as aLagun engages in songwritering, visual artist, and public communicator on productivity and performancecommunication ^[3][4][5].

Early Life and Education

Nikesh Lagun was born in Dhading Bensi, located in the Dhading District of Nepal,, Nepal to Bhakta Bahadur Sunar and Sita Bishwakarma ^[52].  He has one older brother, Ayush Lagun, who is the CEO of AlocaSpace ^[5].

He atteattended Dhading Boarding Secondary School before mrelovcating to Kathmandu in 2018, ^[2]. wThere, he continumpleted his edsecondary education at Kantipur English Academy and Southwestern School. He and later completed his higher secondary studies (graduated Plus Two) at from St. Xavier’s College, Maitighar, Kathmandu ^[52].

LagunHe developed an early interest in music, beginning songwriting at age began writing songs at the age of twelve and later learninged to play guitar, drums, and keyboard ^[3]. His early musical influences included Ed Sheeran, Sajjan Raj Vaidya, Samir Shrestha, and One Direction ^[3]. In paraddition to music, he engaged inllel, Lagun explored visual art, produccreating 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 systemsrawings modeling ^[2].

In 2022, he was awardeceived the OutstandingOutstanding Award Awafrd by om the Private and Boarding Schools' Organization Nepal (PABSON) in recognition of his for academic performance inachievement during the Secondary Education Examination (SEE–-2078) ^[58].

Career

Research and Publications

Nikesh Lagun’s primaryncipal academic contribution is the establishdevelopment of Cognitive Drive Architecture (CDA),Cognitive a pDroposed structural field within cognitive psychologyive Architecture (CDA), which proposes that models cognitive effort as an emergent property of real-times from dynamic system configurations rather than fixedstatic motivational traits ^[1][25]. CDA addresses phenomena such as drive ignition, attentional stability, and performance variabiolatility through a formalized, systems-based framework ^[1][2]. Istructs foundational model is known as Lagunian Dynamics, which inral and controduces six interacting variables across the domains of ignition, tension,-theoretic lens and flux to structurally define Drive ^[1][25].

BeyIn additiond to CDA, Lagunhe has authored several independent studies across cognitive science, education, and neuroscience, inc, including:

• Cognitive Thermostat Theory (CTT): A Control-Theoretic Model of Drive Ignition in Cognitive Drive Architecture (CDA) (2025), introducing a control-theoretic model for ignition dynamics ^[1].
• Lagun’s Law and the Foundations of Cognitive Drive Architecture: A First Principles Theory of Effort and Performance (2025), offering a first-principles model of cognitive effort ^[5].
• A Review of Social Media's Psychological Effects on Young Adults' Mental Health (2025), analyzing cognitive and emotional impacts of digital platforms ^[6].
• Evaluating variation in school dropout rates in rural Nepal: A statistical study (2024), a statistical study of education retention ^[7].
• Study of the Effects of Different Mechanical Mishaps or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) on Brain Regions (2024), a review of neurological trauma ^[8].
• Observation of Dominant and Recessive Character in Humans (2023), an observational study on inheritance of traits ^[8].
• 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 He has also served as a peer reviewer for the International Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Case Reports ^[9].

His research profiles are indexed in OSF Preprints^[1],  Sciety^[5], and SSRN ^[10].

Productivity Writing

Since 2024, Nikesh Lagun has authoredwritten the Weekly Productivity Pulse, a newsletter profferviding 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 performreleases acoustic music, with releases available on platforms such as Spotify, Deezer, and YouTube Music ^[3].  His principal trackreleases include:

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

• 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

In addition to music, Lagun produces visual artworks, including mechanical schematics and digital fan art inspired by anime series

^[32]. 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].

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Recognition

• Outstanding Award, Private and Boarding Schools' Organization Nepal (PABSON), awarded in 2022 for academic excellence in the Secondary Education Examination (SEE–2078) Outstanding Award, Private and Boarding Schools' Organization Nepal (PABSON), 2022 ^[8][5]..