OVERVIEW OF BIG LITTLE THINKING (BLT)

To recall, the Big Little Thinking (BLT) framework provides a set of connected theories, models and concepts for thinking through complex problems in contested spaces. Specifically, the framework consists of:

• 3 Ways of Thinking (Critical-Consilient-Creative) about problems.
• 1 Unit of Thinking (zygo) to explore the deep structure of problems.
• 5 Dimensions of Thinking (Left-Right, Positive-Negative, Past-Future, More-Less, Big-Little) to explore the nature of problems.
• 4 Frames of Thinking (Matter, Mind, Mood, Meaning) to explore the content and experience of problems.
• 1 Meta-Frame for Thinking to explore the metaphysics of problems.
• Many Dynamics of Thinking to explore relationships between different perspectives on a problem.
• 2 Models for Thinking (Simple ZYGO and Complex ZYGO) that visually and spatially represent the framework.
• An adaptable Process for Thinking about problems.
• Numerous Activities for Thinking about problems and applying the Process.
• Infinite Applications for Thinking  that connect the theory of BLT to the experience of real-world problems.

Collectively, this structure facilitates meaningful choices and creations from almost infinite possibilities and problems.  

Big Little Thinking (BLT) understands thinking as an integrative process that requires attention to the relationships and contexts of mind, matter, mood and meaning that relate to problems and solutions. 

BLT is a relational and contextual framework that encourages three general ways of thinking: 

• Critical thinking tests and interprets knowledge through analysis and evidence.  
• Creative thinking generates new knowledge through novel assemblies and perspectives.  
• Consilient thinking explores deep connections between seemingly separate parts of knowledge.  

BLT's basic unit of thinking is the zygo - a 'pair' of concepts (e.g. subjective-objective, passive-active, literal-symbolic, parts-whole) that be related as 0, 1, 2, 3 or an infinite number of things. 

BLT encourages both-and-either-or-neither-nor and in-between ways of thinking about real-world problems. Metaphorically, BLT encourages thinking outside, inside and about the circle (or box).

BLT is for teachers, leaders and learners who need critical, consilient and creative solutions and approaches to real-world problems.   

Modern teachers and learners face challenges and opportunities characterised by polarising social issues, technological disruptions and existential uncertainties that present  'wicked problems'.

Twenty-first century teaching and learning requires relational and contextual ways of thinking that can deal with complexity, and recognise and reconcile 'opposing' positions. These ways of thinking require critical, consilient and creative approaches that are aided by frameworks, models and processes like BLT.  

In many ways, BLT is a response to  calls for new frameworks (Gardner, 2004) that foster:

1. an understanding of the global system, 
2. capacity to think analytically and creatively within disciplines, 
3. ability to tackle problems and issues that do not respect disciplinary boundaries, 
4. knowledge and awareness of other cultures and traditions, 
5. the knowledge and respect for one’s own cultural traditions,  
6. the nurturing of hybrid and blended identities, and
7. tolerance and engagement across racial, linguistic, national, and cultural boundaries.

Gardner, H. (2004). How education changes: Considerations of history, science, and values. In M. M. Suarez-Orozco & D. B. Qin-Hillard (Eds.), Globalization: Culture and education in the new millennium (pp. 235–258). Berkeley: University of California Press.  

BLT can be used to explore almost any problem - big to little, simple to complex, serious to playful. However, it is most specifically designed to facilitate thinking about wicked problems, social issues, cultural conflicts, and dilemmas. 

Generally, a Big Little Problem:

• relates to a social disruption
• has multiple variables
• has multiple dimensions
• has multiple dynamics
• involves core tensions and paradoxes
• is a concrete expression of abstract forms.

For example, BTL can be used to think through everything from a bullying incident in a school,  political polarisation on environmental issues,  national responses to a global pandemic, and whether to leave the toilet seat up or down. 

Problems and solutions are not clear-cut black and white concepts in the BLT framework. They accommodate broad relational approaches to issues about which reasonable people may reasonably disagree.

Controversial social issues are those that ‘divide society and for which significant groups within society offer conflicting explanations and solutions based on alternative values’ (Stradling, Noctor and Baines, 1984, p. 2).  To paraphrase several of Rittel and Webber’s (1973) criteria for wicked problems, they:

1. Have no definitive formulation that can contain all significant variables.
2. Have no stopping rule to signal ultimate success.
3. Have solutions that are better conceived of as ‘good or bad’ than as ‘true or false’.

Models represent complex ideas and relationships in visual, spatial, and tactile ways. 

• The ZYGO is the model for Big Little Thinking (BLT). 
• To understand the ZYGO is to understand the frames, dimensions, and dynamics of BLT. 
• To think through the ZYGO is to see the world through a window - a Big Little Window. 

As a model, the ZYGO has two basic forms that represent different levels of understanding:

1. The SIMPLE ZYGO (sZ) represents the core relationship of BLT between left-right and positive-negative.
2. The COMPLEX ZYGO (cZ) represents more diverse and differentiated relationships of BLT between all frames, dimensions, and dynamics.

Whilst both the simple and complex ZYGO are depicted by a round model, the BLT framework can be modelled in many different ways, including squares. Some alternative models are provided.

There are digital versions of the models on this site but they have also been specifically designed to be made from paper using the templates provided. The material models allow more tactile engagement with the framework.

What is the Big Little Thinking (BLT) process?

The BLT process provides an adaptable way to apply the framework to real-world problems. 

1. INITIATE

• Choose a topic 
• Select a problem 

2. POPULATE

• Share experiences of the problem 
• Share opinions on the problem 

3. INVESTIGATE 

• Explore the Zygos of the problem 
• Explore the Frames of the problem 
• Explore the Dimensions of the problem 
• Explore the Dynamics of the problem 

4. IDEATE

• Imagine possible solutions to the problem  

5. CREATE

• Create a practicable solution for the problem 

6. ACTUATE

• Implement a solution to the problem 

7. EVALUATE

• Review and evaluate the solution to the problem 

8. ITERATE or DISRUPT

• Repeat or disrupt the process