01 / RECOGNIZE
The patterns beneath
the problem.
Use these recurring structures to form a hypothesis. Then look for the evidence that would support—or overturn—it.
YOUR FIELD NOTES
0 / 8 patterns explored
Mark a pattern after exploring its guide. Saved only in this browser.01 / Short-term relief
Fixes that fail
The solution works. Then its side effects bring the problem back.
Picture itOvertime clears the queue. Exhaustion creates the next one.RELIEF → REBOUND02 / Short-term relief
Shifting the burden
An easy response can weaken the capacity to solve the underlying problem.
Picture itThe expert keeps rescuing the team. The team never learns.RELIEF → DEPENDENCE03 / Growth & constraints
Limits to growth
The engine keeps accelerating. The constraint begins to dominate.
Picture itMore customers arrive. The support queue stops them staying.GROWTH → CONSTRAINT04 / Standards & incentives
Drifting goals
The gap disappears because the definition of success has moved.
Picture itLate deliveries become normal when “on time” gets redefined.GAP → LOWER STANDARD05 / Competition & cooperation
Escalation
Each side tries to feel safer. Together, they raise the stakes.
Picture itOne shop cuts its price. Its rival cuts again.RESPONSE → COUNTERRESPONSE06 / Standards & incentives
Success to the successful
An early lead attracts resources that make the next lead more likely.
Picture itThe busiest team gets the budget—and the next big project.ADVANTAGE → ALLOCATION07 / Competition & cooperation
The commons dilemma
Individual use adds up. The rules determine what happens next.
Picture itEvery team runs another job. The shared cluster slows down.PRIVATE GAIN → SHARED COST08 / Growth & constraints
Growth & underinvestment
Capacity arrives late. Lost demand can make that shortage look permanent.
Picture itA full waiting list loses customers. Expansion gets cancelled.DELAY → MISREAD DEMAND