Thinking Processes – Transition Tree

The Transition Tree is the fifth and last tool of the Thinking Processes, sixth optional one of the Logical Thinking Process. The Transition Tree is a step-by-step sequential depiction of how to implement the change.

Basically, the Transition Tree combines an entity of current reality, a statement of need and an action (injection) to create a new reality (expected effect). This basic structure is repeated from the lowest or farthest condition to change up to the closest to the objective on top of the Transition Tree.

For communication purpose, a justification of the rationale is added to the expected effect to justify the next new need and level of change.

According to Dettmer, and as reported in his book The Logical Thinking Process, the Transition Tree is not very popular among users, especially when they are professionals knowing well their processes and not feeling the need to go through a painstaking Transition Tree. They don’t need the details of a Transition Tree.

Experience showed that people tend to add more details to the Prerequisite Tree and skip the Transition Tree. Therefore the sixth tree of the Logical Thinking Process is more an option.

In my opinion, the Transition Tree option is to consider when facing reluctant stakeholders who may not be that familiar with the reality of the situation or the details of processes. In such a case, a Transition Tree is a good communication and pedagogic tool about the necessity to change and how it is going to be implemented.

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