Tiny Tool: The House of Thematic Genidentity

In this part of the Tiny Tool series, we introduce the House of Thematic Genidentity — a strategic map for understanding how ideas evolve.

At its core, the concept of Platform Genidentity explains how a project or theory maintains its uniqueness while adapting to change. It balances two forces:

• Essential Differences — the guiding vision that keeps identity intact.
• Situated Dynamics — the situational opportunities that drive adaptation.

The House of Thematic Genidentity visualizes this process through a 6×3 grid, combining:

• Six levels of abstraction — from Meta-theory to General Practice.
• Three types of objectification — Symbolic, Instrumental, and Practical, showing how concepts turn into models, tools, and community practices.

In October 2024, after designing the map, Oliver Ding conducted two case studies to illustrate two distinct journeys of knowledge creation:

• Case 1: Curativity — The Top-down Path
• Case 2: Thematic Space Theory — The Bottom-up Path

🌀 Together, these two paths reveal the dynamic life of ideas —

sometimes invented from the top, sometimes discovered from the ground up.

The House of Thematic Genidentity helps creators navigate between these modes, serving as a map for managing long-term knowledge creation and conceptual growth.