The Big ZYGO

Models represent complex ideas and relationships in visual, spatial, and tactile ways. The BLT framework can be modelled in many different ways (i.e. shapes, spaces, and colours). 

• A ZYGO is a model for Big Little Thinking (BLT). 
• There are many different ways of representing BLT as a model (i.e. type of ZYGOs), however all share the same conceptual structure.
• To understand the ZYGO is to understand the dimensions, and dynamics of BLT. 
• To think through the ZYGO is to see the world through a window - a Big Little Window. 

BLT can be understood through more simple or more complex models (i.e. ZYGOs):

1. The Little ZYGO is the simplest model or 'Big Little Window' and represents the core relationship of BLT between left-right and positive-negative. 
2. The Big ZYGO is a more complex model that represents more variables (i.e. lefts and rights; positives and negatives) and more diverse and differentiated relationships between BLT's dimensions, and dynamics.

The Big ZYGO provides a complete map of the Big Little Thinking (BLT) framework. It represents almost infinite relationships between BLT's frames, dimensions, and dynamics. These relationships can be used to explore many different types of problems.

The Big ZYGO is a three-dimensional shape thinking through the layers and connections of complex problems and issues. Each axis of the shape represents a different dimension:

1. The vertical circle (Y Axis) represents the value dimension or the positive-negative side of the problem.  These values are often expressed in moods and emotions.
2. The horizontal circle (X Axis) represents the knowledge dimension or the left-right side of the problem. The knowledge dimension explores the matter and mind of a problem.
3. The Z Axis represents the temporal dimension or past-future side of the problem.
4. The scale of the problem is represented by the amount of space represented on the axes (Spatial Dimension of Big-Little side of the problem).
5. The degree of the problem is represented by any position on the ZYGO in the context of a specific problem and refers to the amount, gradation, or weighting (more-less) given to any other dimension of a problem.
6. The centre of the ZYGO represents a sixth encompassing dimension (everything-nothing) – the Meta Dimension. This 'void' looks like an ambiguous space and helps to orientate and relate all other frames.  It is ambiguous because it is difficult to describe using the referents of other frames. It is the referent of all other frames and encourages deep exploration of the origin and nature of all problems.

The Big ZYGO provides a complete map of the Big Little Thinking (BLT) framework. As such, the model can help to understand the framework and the framework can help to understand the model. 

The best way to begin thinking through the ZYGO is to hold it up to any problem whilst using its frames, dimension, and dynamics to ask questions and explore the problem.  For example, you could hold the ZYGO in hand (and mind) when: 

• watching a controversial news story
• listening to an argument
• reading an opinion piece
• observing a problem in practice
• thinking through a social issue

The ZYGO encourages thinking through the dimensions of a problem, including:

• past and future events
• big and little scope
• left and right matters and perspectives
• more and less degrees of difference
• positive and negative values
• the nature of everything and nothing

Practice with the ZYGO can help to internalise the framework and facilitate understandings of many different types of problems and solutions.