BackWhen my mom started gardening two years ago, she didn’t begin with a master plan. She planted a few seeds and watched how they grew, adjusting as she went. She’d try more water here, a little shade there, learning from each plant’s response. Now, we have a garden with multiple fruit trees, and the inside of our house looks like a tropical jungle, with vines hanging down more than six feet. Her approach – plant, observe, adapt – transformed our space.
This way of learning by doing is at the heart of the Do-Think-Do cycle. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” plan, this approach encourages us to act, reflect on what works, and adapt continuously. While the Do-Think-Do cycle may seem similar to common iterative methods, it offers a unique rhythm for tackling problems at a larger scale. Instead of just solving for one outcome, each cycle in Do-Think-Do reshapes our approach, preparing us for the unknowns ahead. This dynamic pace isn’t just about progress; it’s about resilience and adaptability in a world where change itself is exponential.
What sets the Do-Think-Do cycle at Societal Thinking apart is the focus on testing what works at scale, with speed, and sustainably. Each “Do” phase isn’t just about trying a new approach – it’s about experimenting with potential large-scale solutions and observing what supports long-lasting change. In the “Think” phase, we generate knowledge that goes beyond immediate outcomes. This learning can be context-free, context-aware, or context-dependent, enabling us to extract insights that are openly shared, so other organisations can benefit as well. Each subsequent “Do” phase builds on these principles, using our frameworks to address deeper questions and drive further impact.
In an era where challenges such as climate change, gender violence, and access to respectable livelihoods are rapidly multiplying this mindset shift is crucial.
Each cycle pushes us to refine our actions based on real-time feedback, allowing us to stay relevant and effective amid shifting conditions.
An excellent example is how the ECHO Model applies the Do-Think-Do cycle to continuous improvement and scalability in healthcare.
- Do Cycle: The ECHO Model begins with action, setting up tele-education sessions that connect specialist teams at academic hubs with primary care providers in underserved areas. This initial “Do” step leverages technology to bridge the knowledge gap without requiring specialists to be physically present, allowing immediate knowledge transfer to local providers who need it most.
- Think Cycle: After each session, the ECHO team engages in the “Think” phase, analysing data on patient outcomes, treatment effectiveness, and provider confidence. These insights allow them to evaluate the impact of their sessions and identify areas for improvement. This reflective step ensures that each cycle of teaching is not only effective but also continuously refined to better serve community needs.
- Next Do Cycle: With insights from the Think phase, the ECHO Model team adapts and enhances their approach by refining training materials or adjusting session formats based on real-world feedback. This ongoing Do-Think-Do rhythm supports continuous improvement and ensures that each interaction builds on the last, enhancing the overall quality and reach of healthcare delivery.
At Societal Thinking, the Do-Think-Do cycle is designed not just for continuous iteration but for scaling solutions with speed and sustainability. Emphasising a mindset of experimentation and shared learning, allows change leaders to pivot and adapt, ensuring that progress isn’t stagnant but dynamic and responsive. This approach transcends immediate outcomes, enabling systemic shifts that resonate beyond singular contexts.
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