“Finder” Mode

“Finder” mode is very similar to and an extension of Associations, in that it is focused on discovering new or hidden perceptions about the working topics, but directed toward some specific practical application rather than the more open-ended discovery of Associations.

When using the PD in Finder mode, there will usually be some reference to an ideal or goal (e.g., an ideal product, or the best the organization can become) against which the existing situation (e.g., new product proposals, or the organization as it currently is). In Finder mode, the PD is used to explore the deeply held feelings and perceptions about the working topics, particularly as they compare to the reference topics.

• How different is the topic from the ideal?
• In what ways is it different from the ideal?
• What does this tell us is needed to make it more like the ideal?
• What does this tell us about what’s keeping us from our goal?

Because the PD acts as an alogical amplifier – amplifying the sometimes ineffable perceptions that transcend logical thought and evaluation processes – it provides new avenues for exploration and discussion that can lead to better (e.g., closer to ideal) solutions.

One way in which the PD has been used in this mode is with focus groups, evaluating marketing and advertising campaigns to see how well the campaign materials generated the kind of emotional response and associations intended.