THE ZYGO

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. 

BLT can be understood through more simple or more complex model:

1. The simple model or 'Big Little Window' represents the core relationship of BLT between left-right and positive-negative. 
2. The complex model or ZYGO represents more diverse and differentiated relationships of BLT between all frames, dimensions, and dynamics.

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

The 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.

As a shape, the ZYGO is a two-sided disc for thinking through the layers and connections of complex problems and issues. Each side of the disc can be used to represent two frames:

1. The positive-negative side of the ZYGO can be used to represent Meaning and Mood frames, which explore the values and emotions embedded in problems.
2. The left-right side of the ZYGO can be used to explore the Matter and Mind frames, which explore the facts and thoughts embedded in problems.

The centre of the ZYGO represents a fifth frame – the Meta Frame. This frame 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 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's framework encourages exploration of:

• the facts of the problem (Matter)
• the ways of knowing a problem (Mind)
• the emotions of a problem (Mood)
• the values of a problem (Meaning)
• the origins and ends of a problem (Meta)

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

• past and future events
• big and little scope
• left and right perspectives
• more and less degrees of difference
• positive and negative values

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