ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Bayesian-optimal mechanism

Bayesian-optimal mechanism is a way to make sure that people get the most fair deal possible when buying or selling things.

Imagine you're at a toy store and there are 10 different toys you want to buy, but you only have enough money to buy one. The store owner has to decide which toy to sell to you at what price.

The optimal mechanism for the store owner would involve making their decision based on information they have about you as a shopper. They might know from past experience that you tend to buy toys that are on sale, or that you have a particular fondness for a certain type of toy. The store owner uses this information to decide which toy to sell to you and at what price.

This approach is called Bayesian because it uses probability theory to make the decision. The store owner looks at their past experience and makes an educated guess about what you might be interested in purchasing, based on that past experience.

The optimal part of the mechanism is focused on fairness. The store owner wants to make sure that you get a fair deal for the toy you want to buy. This might mean that they give you a discount on the toy you're interested in purchasing, or that they sell it to you for the same price as they would have if you had bought a different toy.

Overall, the Bayesian-optimal mechanism is a way to make everyone happy in a transaction, by using information, experience and probability to make a fair and informed decision.