**4. Extenders and Unlockers**

Extenders and Unlockers are active working tools that are used during the entire BoC process. Extenders have the objective of extending a particular subject or text towards another reference resource, or towards a similar theme, thus improving its comprehension. They are usually used during Phase 1—information, Phase 2—objectives, and Phase 3—actions. Unlockers are mostly used during the Phase 4—project, and their objective is to unlock certain project moments that, for some reason, presented hurdles for the creative progression. The Unlockers are texts that allow a better decision-making process based on the elements of the project and let the widening of the observing and thinking ability of the audience. Therefore, Unlockers present a practical feature of the project, improving the deliberation of its actionable parameters.

In summary, Extenders and Unlockers' aim is to facilitate the learning of concepts and the materialisation of project's constructs. These two tools are used in accordance with particularities related to the target audience, the quality, and characteristics of the previous considerations, analogies, and associated themes analysed and generated.

#### **4.1 Examples of extenders**

As an example, we may refer to a first text that can be introduced in the reflection process, that points to the concept of 'entanglement' that results when quantum particles entangle each other and thereafter cannot be described as independent particles. This concept allows for instance to reinforce texts and questions enunciated in the Phase 3—actions, such as 'Can two plants unite into one unique individual under particular circumstances?'; which in turn refers to an associated question: 'Can two companies or products unite into one unique individual?'

As a second example of Extenders, we may refer to a second text that can be further introduced which mentions to the idea of 'speciation' that results from the process upon which natural populations evolve to become distinct species, generating variety. Similarly, to the previous extender text, it allows for instance the reinforcement of texts and questions enunciated during the Phase 2—objectives, such as 'Can the same inherent characteristics in companies, organisms, *etc.*, and products, may have different results?'

#### **4.2 Examples of Unlockers**

As examples of Unlockers, we may refer a first text that points to the concept of 'counter examples', which results from the association between negative and positive examples, which in turn focus on the relation between characteristics that oppose each other and so they can be contained or excluded into a project's 'object', allowing a better objects' definition.

A second example, acting in sequence from the previous Unlocker, refers to the concept of 'polarity', which results from the higher or lower tension between two opposing elements, and that are defined in the scope of the same project's 'object', or between 'objects'.
