THEORY OF INFINITELY ZOOMABLE PAGE
How the World’s Most Inventive People Solve Tough Problems …
And How to Simply Manage Your Breakthrough Questions
Dr. Rod King

FOREWORD
Helping to Make the World More Innovative and Less Wasteful
People would no doubt be asking me at least two questions. One is, “Why did you formulate
and publish the Theory of Infinitely Zoomable Page?” The other question is, “Why did you
decide to freely give away the publication containing the Theory of Infinitely Zoomable Page?”
I’ll start with the first question which deals with why I formulated and published the
Theory of Infinitely Zoomable Page (IZP). My foray into the areas of creativity, creative problem
solving, and innovation started about a decade ago when I encountered a school of thought in
the magic (conjuring) community proclaiming that “Creativity cannot be taught.” These
proponents claim that the skill of creating magic tricks can be learned but cannot be taught.
Needless to say, I disagreed and continue to disagree with that apparently elitist claim.
To prove that creating magic tricks could be taught, I developed the world’s first
software that independently invents magic tricks. My reasoning was that if a ‘computer’ could
invent magic tricks, then anyone could systematically learn the invention process and in parti‐
cular, the process of creating magic tricks. Surely, there is a structured but tacit process behind
inventions. The software, which invents magic tricks, illustrates my assertion.
During the research for development of the software that invents magic tricks, I came
across myriad creativity and innovation techniques. The truth was that despite the claims made
by authors or practitioners of the creativity, problem solving, and innovation techniques, I could
not comprehensively apply them to invent magic tricks. Consequently, I became skeptical of the
effectiveness of many existing techniques for enhancing creativity, problem solving, and
innovation. I asked myself: “What is a simple best‐practice methodology that can be used for
developing breakthrough innovations in any domain?” The Theory of IZP is the result. The
Theory of IZP contains a philosophy and “DNA” for enhancing creative problem solving,
innovation, and project planning as well as business planning, strategy, and performance
management. The Theory of IZP can be used to not only derive breakthrough ideas in the
aforementioned areas but also develop breakthrough products, services, and processes.
I notice that this page is running out and I have to answer the second question. I
apologize and promise that my answer will be brief. I’m making the publication on the Theory
of IZP freely available because of my mission which is “Helping to make the world more inno‐
vative and less wasteful.” The world is currently facing a web of crises: recession; energy issues;
global warming; terrorism; epidemics; poverty. Wouldn’t it be great for humanity if we could all
participate in developing breakthrough ideas for overcoming these crises? So, please feel free
to share this e‐book with your colleagues. In this world of increasing connectedness and colla‐
boration, “WE” are surely smarter than “I.” Hey, it’s one of eight principles of the Theory of IZP!
I hope you have fun and many breakthrough moments as you apply the Theory of IZP.
Rod King, Ph.D.
January 2009.

A SHORT QUIZ, PLEASE!
1. Please take a good look at the diagram below.
What does the above diagram represent? List possible uses for the diagram.
2. How many rectangular boxes do you see in the above diagram?
3. Without lifting your pen or pencil, draw three straight lines that touch all boxes in the above
diagram.
4. After reading and digesting the Theory of the Infinitely Zoomable Page (IZP) in subsequent
pages, again answer questions 1 and 2.
What are your comments regarding the nature of the answers?
Please, let us hear from you in the IZP community at http://rodkuhnking.wordpress.com and
http://www.slideshare.net/RodKing

THEORY OF INFINITELY ZOOMABLE PAGE (IZP)
A Tool for Visually Generating, Organizing, and Answering Breakthrough Questions
The progress of individuals, businesses, organizations, and communities strongly depend on
how well they continuously generate and answer breakthrough questions. A breakthrough
question requires the delivery of an innovative idea, strategy, process, plan, and/or solution for
targeted customers. Breakthrough questions usually require novel or non‐routine approaches.
Nevertheless, the quality of answers to a breakthrough question should be judged on how well
the question’s response maximizes desired experiences of customers.
In the literature, there is no explicit methodology for comprehensively answering breakthrough
(“impossible”) questions of customers, businesses, organizations, and society. Brainstorming is
the most common tool for answering breakthrough questions especially when non‐routine
questions are posed to a team. However, brainstorming is an empirical tool that is fraught with
many difficulties. Classic brainstorming may produce ‘wild’ ideas but often these ideas do not
lead to innovative strategies, plans, or projects in the real world. One reason is that the
theoretical underpinnings of brainstorming are little understood. At a deeper level, classic
brainstorming is an inadequate implementation of the evolutionary process of natural selection
as espoused by Charles Darwin. While Charles Darwin focuses on species in the process of
natural selection, brainstorming involves competition between ideas. From this perspective,
brainstorming should focus on phases of a process that ensures ‘survival of the fittest idea.’
Also, the process of brainstorming does not cover strategic planning and project management.
This booklet presents the first methodology for comprehensively generating, organizing, and
answering any type of breakthrough question. The methodology, which is called the “Theory of
Infinitely Zoomable Page (IZP),” involves a synthesis of the best ideas on visual systems
thinking, creative problem solving, strategic planning, innovation, and performance
management. Using the Theory of IZP, anyone can simply learn how to “zoom in and out of the
box.” The Theory of IZP reflects the tacit philosophy of highly inventive people.
Below are eight principles that define the paradigm of the Theory of IZP. By understanding and
applying these principles, anyone can more deeply generate, organize, and answer
breakthrough questions in diverse domains. In short, continuous application of these principles
makes people and organizations smarter as well as more innovative. The Theory of the IZP also
provides a visual framework and common language for organizing and managing breakthrough
questions that involve participants in multi‐disciplinary teams. The Theory of IZP can be used in
conjunction with other problem solving and innovation tools. From a domain perspective, the
Theory of IZP can be used to greatly enhance the work of business executives, strategic
planners, project managers, innovators, marketers, researchers, and product developers.

Name: Dr. Rod King – Principles of The Theory of IZP Date: January 2009 Sheet 1 of 1
2. BRAIN-FRIENDLY CLUSTERS 3. ANALOGICAL STRATEGIES,
1. INFINITE KNOWLEDGE SPACE
TOOLS, AND SOLUTIONS
4. SYSTEMATIC DECISION-MAK- 5. NETWORK MANAGEMENT
OVERVIEW OF
ING, PLANNING, AND IDEA GEN
PRINCIPLES OF
THE THEORY OF IZP
6. STAGES OF COMMUNICATION 8. UNEXPECTED CHAOS, NOVEL-
7. EVOLUTION TOWARDS THE
SYSTEMS TY, AND OPPORTUNITIES
IDEAL SOLUTION
Zoomable Page. Copyright 2009. Dr. Rod King. rodkuhnking@sbcglobal.net
http://rodkuhnking.wordpress.com

The Eight Principles of the Theory of IZP (for Managing Breakthrough Questions)
1. Principle of Infinite Knowledge Space
The Infinitely Zoomable Page (IZP) is a single page that envelopes both the known and
unknown universe, that is, both space and time; see figure. Consequently, the IZP contains
an infinite amount of information, knowledge, tools, and states of objects.
Visually, the IZP is a box of 3x3 boxes; see figure. Each box can in turn be a 3x3 box. In
short, the IZP is a fractal cluster of 3x3 boxes: a box of 3x3 boxes of 3x3 boxes of ...
Figure: A Fractal Universe of the Infinitely Zoomable Page (IZP)
Environment
(Surroundings)
System
SPACE
(Whole)
Elements
(Parts)
BIG BANG! Present Future
Past
TIME
(EVOLUTION/KNOWLEDGE)
The above figure facilitates viewing of an object or a system from a matrix of perspectives:
spatial perspective (analyst; naturalist; ecologist/cosmologist or micro‐; system; macro‐)
and temporal perspective (historian; news‐journalist; futurist). A box could be any object
such as a screen.
2. Principle of Brain‐friendly Clusters
Any system or object of information including topics, themes, and questions can
(repeatedly) be segmented or chunked down using a 3x3 cluster of a Zoomable Page. In the
center of the (initial) 3x3 cluster is the description and/or image of the original system or
object. The visual 3x3 cluster is more visually appealing than a vertical list of items and
reduces the problem of information overload while facilitating short‐term memory.

The converse of the foregoing statement is that any number of elements can (repeatedly)
be aggregated, synthesized, or chunked up using a 3x3 cluster of a Zoomable Page. As
before, the center of the 3x3 cluster contains an overarching description and/or image.
From a mathematical perspective, a 3x3 cluster or Zoomable Page with the center
describing the category of surrounding elements is a visual representation of a system with
the equation, y = f(x) where y refers to the output, central object, or effect and x refers to
the inputs, elements, or causal factors of the system.
3. Principle of Analogical Strategies, Tools, and Solutions
The best idea, strategy, process, solution, and outcome for any breakthrough question or
task already exists and lies on the IZP. Similar ideas, strategies, processes, solutions, and
outcomes can be obtained by using relevant systematic tools and templates. There are
relatively few trajectories, patterns, and templates for moving from the present to a future
state which can be defined by a set of qualitative and quantitative performance indicators.
Existing resource constraints are often the limiting factors regarding the achievement of
goals and desired states. Breakthrough innovations frequently involve the elimination of
apparently impossible constraints while achieving a highly delightful future state.
4. Principle of Systematic Decision‐making, Planning, and Idea Generation
At the core of decision‐making, planning, and idea generation as well as the exploration of
ideas and the answering of breakthrough questions is the cyclical process of C.O.P.E.:
Collect; Organize; Present; Evaluate. The sequence of elements in the C.O.P.E. cycle can be
directly linked to phases of the classic creativity process including preparation (immersion/
accumulation of diverse knowledge), incubation, illumination (synthesis), and verification.
5. Principle of Network Engagement (“B.E.A.R.: Bring Every Available Resource”)
All problems, solutions, tools, and innovations can be discovered by asking (breakthrough)
questions as well as productively exploring and optimally engaging all resources on
networks of the IZP especially customers and producers. It is important to note that tangible
elements in a business network can be summarized using the acronym, SEMPORCE:
Suppliers; Employees; Machinery/Facility; Processes; Outputs (Products/Services); Retailers/
Distributors; Customers; Environment. Intangible elements include functionality, goal,
purpose, essence, attributes, knowledge, and experiences (advantages and disadvantages).
6. Principle of Stages of Communication Systems
The IZP contains four types of communication systems: discrete (stone‐heap); linear (chain);
hierarchy (tree); network (web). Successful and growing systems generally move from
discrete through linear and hierarchical to tightly integrated network communication. The
life cycle of each system as well as its elements and environment follows the shape of an S‐
curve. Phases of an S‐curve include birth, growth, maturity, saturation, and decline.

7. Principle of Evolution Towards the Ideal Solution
Objects on the IZP compete as they evolve towards an ideal‐solution state that is
characterized by infinite advantages and zero disadvantage. (The aforementioned
statement can be described as the “Law of Ideal Solution.”)
It is important to note that present and future advantages respectively refer to
strengths and opportunities while present and future disadvantages respectively refer to
weaknesses and threats. Consequently, the ideal solution can be described as the state of
an object that has infinite strengths and opportunities on the one hand and zero
weaknesses and threats on the other hand. This restatement of the Law of Ideal Solution
facilitates innovation in a business network especially for products and services.
As objects evolve towards the ideal solution, their form, structure, and content reflect
key evolutionary and revolutionary processes (strategies). Evolutionary processes include
substitution, combination, addition, and multiplication of resources in a system, its
elements, and environment. In contrast, revolutionary processes involve radical change and
include unification of opposites; removal (elimination); “extremization;” idealization
(virtually instant, free, and perfect self‐organization or adaptation).
8. Principle of Unexpected Chaos, Novelty, and Opportunities
Sometimes, environmental or internal changes of a system may cause chaos from which
there are emergent opportunities and threats. When satisfactory answers to breakthrough
questions are not being obtained using the other principles of the Theory of IZP, a ‘chaotic
object’ may be formed through ‘forced integration’ of elements in the system with
randomly selected elements in the system as well as in its core, peripheral, and remote
environment. The chaotic object, which deliberately introduces diversity or change in the
system, could be used to generate further ideas and opportunities for emergent customers
as well as well as explore the breakthrough question. The best or ‘fittest’ ideas are those
with the highest novelty and opportunity in combination with the lowest threat for the
system’s goal. Such ideas may lead to the development of disruptive products, services,
and/or processes.

Name: ……………………………………………………… Date: …………………………………………… Sheet … of …
(For the Zoomable Page below, start by writing a question, topic, or theme in the gray box at the center. Then, fill the surrounding boxes with related information (text/images).)
Zoomable Page. Copyright 2009. Dr. Rod King. rodkuhnking@sbcglobal.net
http://rodkuhnking.wordpress.com

Name: Dr. Rod King - Template for Facilitating Analogical Thinking Date: January 20, 2009 Sheet 1 of 1
Bipolar Objects Analogy
Network Elements Analogy
ANALOGIES
FOR MANAGING
BREAKTHROUGH QUESTIONS
Functionality-Attributes Analogy Extreme-What if Analogy
Zoomable Page. Copyright 2009. Dr. Rod King. rodkuhnking@sbcglobal.net
http://rodkuhnking.wordpress.com

Name: Dr. Rod King - Matter and Scale Date: January 2009 Sheet 1 of 1
SOLID/ LIQUID/ GAS/
GEL PLASMA/CELL
POWDER/SPECK/PARTICLE
ATOM
MOLECULE
MATTER AND SCALE
(Especially For Analogical Thinking –
What if the [object] is a(n) …?)
ELECTRON/WAVE/FIELD/FORCE PROTON/NEUTRON; NEUTRINO/ QUARK
MESON/etc.
Zoomable Page. Copyright 2009. Dr. Rod King. rodkuhnking@sbcglobal.net
http://rodkuhnking.wordpress.com

Name: Dr. Rod King – Learning Modules & Tasks for the Theory of IZP Date: January 2009 Sheet 1 of 1
1. IZP‐DOCUMENTATION 2. IZP‐BRAINSTORMING
Simply and daily use text and/or images to Brainstorm ideas for (breakthrough)
visually document information on the questions by using the process of C.O.P.E.
Zoomable Page in order to facilitate (Collect; Organize; Present; Evaluate) as
creative thinking, problem solving, and well as the Zoomable Page to visually
accelerated learning in any discipline obtain breakthrough strategies in any
domain
LEARNING MODULES & TASKS
FOR MASTERING
THE THEORY OF INFINITELY
ZOOMABLE PAGE (IZP)
3. STRATEGIC IZP 4. OPERATIONAL IZP
Learn about the paradigm and Theory of Use the Theory of IZP and Zoomable
IZP as well as about how to use the Page for visual continuous improvement
Zoomable Page to visually obtain and innovation as well as adaptive plann-
breakthrough strategies and innovations ing, execution, and performance manage-
(in a multi-disciplinary team) ment of any type of project: business;
personal; community; national; global
Zoomable Page. Copyright 2009. Dr. Rod King. rodkuhnking@sbcglobal.net
http://rodkuhnking.wordpress.com

Name: Dr. Rod King – Computer Products Date: January 2009 Sheet 1 of 1
IDEAL SOLUTION
∞
NANO-COMPUTERS/ MINI-SUPERCOMPUTERS SUPERCOMPUTERS
NANO-SUPERCOMPUTERS (20XX)
LAPTOPS/HANDHELD (MOBILE) MODERN MINI-COMPUTERS/
RAM (+):
COMPUTER PRODUCTS:
SERVERS
COMPUTERS/SMARTPHONES ***
PERSONAL/DESKTOP
COMPUTERS
MODERN CALCULATORS CLASSIC PERSONAL COMPUTERS CLASSIC MAINFRAME
COMPUTERS
SIZE (-):
Zoomable Page. Copyright 2009. Dr. Rod King. rodkuhnking@sbcglobal.net
http://rodkuhnking.wordpress.com

SEND ME YOUR COMPLETED ZOOMABLE PAGES FOR THE NEXT IZP‐BOOKLET!
I am collecting completed 3x3 Zoomable Pages from various persons and disciplines. If you have
breakthrough questions and interesting examples of Zoomable Pages that you have prepared
and would like to share, please send them as attached PDF documents to me at:
rodkuhnking@sbcglobal.net
Zoomable Pages with relevant images and text will be especially appreciated. Also, Zoomable
Pages that deal with the exploration of breakthrough questions will be most highly regarded.
The deadline for submissions is April 25, 2009.
Submitted Zoomable Pages will be published in the next edition of this booklet.
I look forward to receiving your favorite Zoomable Pages.
Best,
Rod King, Ph.D.
http://rodkuhnking.wordpress.com
http://www.slideshare.net/RodKing

About Dr. Rod King
Dr. Rod King is a leading business strategist and innovator. He is the developer of the Theory of
Infinitely Zoomable Page (IZP), which is a methodology for visually generating, organizing, and
answering breakthrough questions in any domain. The Theory of IZP reflects the tacit
philosophy of highly inventive people. As an expert on IZP‐brainstorming, creative problem
solving, innovation, and adaptive planning, Dr. King helps individuals, teams, and businesses to
develop strategies and innovations for delightful customer and business experiences.
Dr. King also serves as consultant on business network intelligence and management especially
for small and medium enterprises. He offers clients a better way to ask and manage
breakthrough questions as well as to monitor and manage business performance. The Business
Network Dashboard is central to Dr. King’s approach.
Using a highly visual approach to business strategy and innovation as well as business network
intelligence and management, Dr. King helps customers to simply “zoom in and out of the box”
while achieving their business goals. Dr. King is a pioneer of the Infinitely Zoomable Page (IZP),
Adaptive Planning and Execution (APEx) methodology, and Business Network Dashboard. He is
also the inventor of the “Fractal Grid,” a visual organizer that has pending US and international
patents.
Dr. King has a multi‐disciplinary background with a bachelor (honors) degree in civil
engineering, a master degree in infrastructure planning, and a doctorate in regional
development planning. In addition, he holds a post‐graduate certificate in Advanced Academic
Studies (Pedagogy). He has authored and presented, at international conferences, papers on
inventive problem solving and innovation. Dr. King is also a major contributor to the multi‐
author book, Research Methods for Postgraduates.
For more information, contact Dr. King at rodkuhnking@sbcglobal.net
Rod King, Ph.D.
http://rodkuhnking.wordpress.com
http://www.slideshare.net/RodKing
Fresno, California
January 2009.