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# The RD Starburst Move: Notice of Discovery for a New Cognitive Move in Systems Thinking

## Details

**Authors** Coffman HK

**Year** 2025

**Publisher** Journal of Systems Thinking 5(1):1-5

**Kind of work** article

**Discipline** Psychology

**Reading level** technical

**Kind of engagement** scholarly

[Read it at the publisher](https://doi.org/10.54120/jost.v25i1.hczhx34) 
10.54120/jost.v25i1.hczhx34

## In authors' words

### 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.

### What they set out to do (purpose)

A notice of discovery: the RD Starburst Move, the 203rd cognitive Move in the canon, radiating a single distinguished relationship outward to multiple pairs of identities simultaneously.

### What they found (results)

Propagating one relationship across many identity pairs reveals the complex, non-linear nature of relationships, supporting cross-domain transfer and creative reasoning.

## Commentary

### In short

Announces the RD Starburst Move, a new cognitive Move that extends the RD Barbell by radiating one relationship out to several pairs of identities.

### Response

A new Move contributed to the Universal Cognitive Move Registry, the 203rd in the canon. Engagement of an unusual kind: not applying the theory or assessing it, but adding to its canon, which requires working inside its formalism.

**Patterns it shows** D, R

**How to cite this** Coffman HK (2025). The RD Starburst Move: Notice of Discovery for a New Cognitive Move in Systems Thinking. Journal of Systems Thinking 5(1):1-5.