An insight I had while tweaking the algorithm is that spaced repetition algorithms, like FSRS-6 which Alif uses (and Anki) are good for modelling recall of a learned fact, but not for the actual initial “encoding” or learning, the first transition from short-term memory to long-term memory.

— ❐ The language learning holy grail

spaced-repetition

• perfect summary/starting point of what I was trying to get at with long thinking about initial interval, ⁓ having the very first SR repetition right is special; probably means the user already knew whatever's taught; ⁓ ideal initial interval for practicing a chord switch is definitely not 1 day