Seeing Through the Lenses: A Framework for Problem Solving
In life, challenges rarely arrive with clear instructions. But how we look at a problem often shapes what solutions we see. The Contours of Tomorrow philosophy invites us to examine our circumstances through five essential Lenses: Flow, Order, Space, Emergence, and Persistence. These lenses are more than values—they are tools for inquiry, perspectives that can unlock new insights.
This article introduces a practical method for applying the Lenses as a structured reflection tool. Whether you’re journaling, facilitating a discussion, or making a difficult decision, these five questions help surface what matters.
The CoT Lens Framework: 5 Questions for Insight
1. Flow – What moves here? What resists?
- Where are things getting stuck?
- What forces are in motion, and which are blocked?
- How could rhythm, flexibility, or release help?
2. Order – What patterns or systems are in place?
- What structures shape this situation?
- Is there too much rigidity—or not enough?
- Could clearer rules or roles improve things?
3. Space – What is allowed or constrained?
- What is taking up too much room—physically, emotionally, socially?
- What lacks room to grow?
- How might I make space for new possibilities?
4. Emergence – What is trying to form?
- Are new ideas or patterns developing?
- What smaller parts could come together in a novel way?
- What needs attention in order to evolve?
5. Persistence – What endures, and what should?
- What has lasting value in this context?
- What is worth preserving?
- How can I act today to support the shape of tomorrow?
How to Use the Lenses
You can use this framework:
- Individually: As a journaling prompt or personal reflection tool.
- In groups: During team discussions, design sessions, or conflict resolution.
- Strategically: To guide visioning, project planning, or policy-making.
By cycling through each Lens, you engage with a richer view of the issue—tapping into movement, structure, openness, creativity, and legacy all at once.
Visual Summary
We’ve created a visual summary of this framework to help you remember and share it easily:
The way you see things shapes what you create. Let each Lens open a different door.