Linear construction of Cynefin

List of methods / Cynefin® specific methods

Linear construction of Cynefin is one of the 4 methods for construction of the framework and although it approaches it from first principles it is intended as a secondary method. The method supports the construction of the Cynefin® framework from first principles, demonstrating what we mean when we say that this is a contextualization, not a categorization framework.

Note: the primary method for construction of the framework is 3-points

Preparation

Identify the focal issue or prompting question for the Linear Cynefin® activity Prepare either physical or virtual workspaces with blank canvasses, a sheet of paper and sufficient sticky notes. If you have more than one group of 5 to 7 undertaking this activity then ensure they have their own space. This is particularly important if doing this in a virtual environment.

Workflow

STAGE INSTRUCTION	COMMENTARY & TIPS
Step 1: Frame the challenge / question Do we need to be more specific about focus or can it be open-ended, working with activities/ issues/ challenges or decision points	Groups may struggle with the language here: is it the outcome that is predictable EFFECT of the activity or the OUTCOME that is predictable or unpredictable? See prompting questions for a discussion of the types of questions that should be considered
Step 2: Generate material Frame the question/challenge/prompt to the group (the focus of the Linear process), asking each team to list all the activities/ issues/ challenges or decision points related to the question at hand (one per sticky)	It is recommended to allow the individual to reflect and to create stickies before the group discussion One idea or activity per hexie Hexies should contain just enough information that others will understand
Step 3: Linear placement The group then works to place items on a linear continuum from ‘Unpredictable’ to ‘Predictable’ First, choose exemplars to define the endpoints of the line i.e the most and least predictable items from the material they have created Then place all other items in relation to the endpoints and each other, along the predictable/unpredictable continuum. With each item to the right is more predictable, to the left less predictable.	More is more and a large number of hexies is fine. De-duplicate only when items are truly the same. Don’t put two different items in the exact same place on the line – try to differentiate them slightly, that is do not look to cluster or build columns
Step 4: Place boundary lines Groups place boundary lines to divide their continuum up based on the items: Line 1 – separates “should be able to predict” from “can't predict” where does it go from predictable to not predictable? Line 2 - on the Unpredictable side: where does it go from unpredictable but with discernable patterns (i.e. some self-organisation or constraints are evident) to no pattern, random and unstable? Line 3 - on the Predictable side: where does it go from “predictability that requires expertise to see” to “predictability that most people can understand”?	Avoid using the domain names (chaotic, complex, clear) to describe the line placements when giving instructions. Avoid using the word ‘volatile’ to describe the far left of the line. The central boundary (dividing mostly predictable from mostly unpredictable) can widen to represent a zone of confusion that contains multiple items.
Step 5: Transform into Cynefin® framework The ends of the line are then pulled together to form the Cynefin®™ framework and boundary conditions between the domains are defined

Do's and Don'ts

• Consensus is not the priority here - rather, sense-making through conversation is. Encourage groups to unpack the items and build a shared understanding of them, without necessarily reaching agreement.
• Note that the dividing lines really should not end up dividing the line into even areas – this is contextualistion not categorisation, and the world is not symmetrical.

In a virtual environment

The method has been conducted in virtual settings with success over a range of platforms.

References

Articles

See the Shared context and sense making chapter of Cynefin Mini-book for some comments on linear contextualisation

Blog posts

Using the Cynefin Framework to help with continuous improvement