> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://euforia.gitbook.io/ultimateguide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://euforia.gitbook.io/ultimateguide/chapter1/evolutionary-purpose/1.4.4-theory-u.md).

# 1.4.4 Theory U

When working on our strategy, we often use [Theory U](/ultimateguide/chapter1/inspired-by.md). In fact, during some of our quarterly meetings we have followed the process inspired by Theory U that we have learnt from Marcus Rama from Bananalyze at the Teal Camp in 2016:<br>

**Step 1- DOWNLOADING:** in groups of 3, each person speaks 2 min and downloads what’s going on.\
**Step 2 - SEEING:** define a few perspectives/roles/stakeholders (determined in advance) that you would like to explore. Then ask each person to take the perspective for that perspectives/roles/stakeholder and says what he/she « sees » or [3D sculpting](https://www.euforia.org/en/blog/2019/6/20/3d-system-sculpting). \
**Step 3 -** **SENSING:** write down or draw everything that you see on post its and stick them on a wall.  After that make a pattern/relation map. Try to have everyone looking at the post its in silence.\
**Step 4 - LETTING GO:** what should we NOT be doing? What is taking a lot of our energy? What bothers us? What processes waste time/energy?\
**Step 5 - LETTING COME (idea finding methods):** brainstorming, silent brainstorming OR do nothing… send people out in nature with a piece of paper. This is the space for the open: what « wants to happen » can emerge.\
**Step 6 - CRYSTALLIZING PHASE:** capture what (everything that) is present and try to turn it into something tangible / options.\
**Step 7 - PROTOTYPING:** selection of what’s been crystallized to make prototypes. use of simulations with 2 or 3 prototypes. Which strategies will we use?

**Important:** TRANSITIONS between the phases need to be designed carefully.

This process has helped us many times to look back and forward.