This paper reports an exploratory study examining the interaction between a theoretical framework for Complex Thinking and AI (LLMs), in terms of its potentialities and constraints. The aim was to develop and conduct a preliminary pilot evaluation of a tool comprising a prompt protocol suite for use with an LLM, to scafold Complex Thinking. The tool is designed for use by an individual or group in relation to a given Target System of Interest (i.e., a real-world system, a problem, or a concern), supporting the development of more complex understandings of such systems that can guide more efective and positive actions and decisions. We describe the process of developing a suite of prompt protocols for scafolding particular properties of Complex Thinking and report on the outcomes of a pilot test evaluation with a set of users across diferent domains.
Melo, A. T., Renault, L., Caves, L., Garnett, P., Lopes, P. D., Ribeiro, R., & Santos, F. (2025). An AI tool for scaffolding Complex Thinking: Challenges and solutions in developing an LLM prompt protocol suite. Cognition, Technology & Work. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10111-025-00817-6
Complexity Digest 