Journal of Systems Thinking · Volume 5, Issue 1 · 2025-10-11
The RD Starburst Move
Notice of Discovery for a New Cognitive Move in Systems Thinking
Heather Coffman
https://doi.org/10.54120/jost.v25i1.hczhx34
Abstract
Finding a new cognitive Move in systems thinking is comparable to formulating a new axiom in geometry or adding a previously unknown element to the periodic table: it brings to light a foundational, transferable pattern of thought that transcends subject matter and can be applied broadly across disciplines. The RD Starburst Move, proposed by Heather K. Coffman, is such a discovery—the 203rd Move identified in the canon. It extends the familiar relational logic of the RD Barbell into a starburst-like structure, radiating a single distinguished relationship (RD) outward to multiple pairs of identities simultaneously. This multidirectional propagation reveals the complex, non-linear nature of relationships, enhancing systems literacy, cross-domain transfer, and creative reasoning. This paper describes the RD Starburst Move, detailing its structure and emphasizing its significance for cognition and practice.
© 2025 Journal of Systems Thinking (JoST) · CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
