Structured thinking in motion for creative, research and real-world problem-solving
Led by Daniel Quinn
Author, researcher and creator of large-scale structured systems including the Ribus global topographic database and multiple published works on creative thinking and applied cognition.
What this is
Field Thinking Sessions are one-to-one and small group walking sessions designed to help you think more clearly about a project, idea or problem.
They are built around a simple premise:
some forms of thinking work better when they are in motion
We walk through quiet urban or natural environments while working through whatever you bring.
This might be:
- a creative project that feels stuck or unclear
- a research or writing problem
- a decision you are trying to work through
- a system or idea you are trying to develop
- or a broader sense of direction in your work or practice
The aim is not coaching in a formal sense.
It is structured thinking applied in real time, in real environments.
What happens in a Field Thinking Session
Each session is adapted to the person and the work they bring, but typically includes:
- focused discussion of your current project or question
- clarification of structure, intent and direction
- identification of assumptions, blocks or blind spots
- exploration of alternative ways of framing the problem
- practical next steps that emerge during the walk
The walking format reduces pressure and allows ideas to surface and reorganise naturally through conversation and movement.
Many people find that issues which feel stuck in a room become clearer when discussed while walking.
Who this is for
Field Thinking Sessions are for people working on:
- independent creative projects
- research, writing or conceptual work
- technical or systems-based problems
- interdisciplinary or unconventional ideas
- or any work where clarity of thinking is more important than formal advice
This is not therapy, mentoring, or conventional coaching.
It is a working environment for thinking.
Format
- One-to-one sessions (recommended starting point) £60
- Small group sessions (maximum 3–5 participants) £20 per person
- Duration: approximately 90–120 minutes
- Locations: Edinburgh, Glasgow and surrounding areas
Routes are chosen based on weather, terrain, and accessibility. Sessions remain low-impact walking rather than technical hiking.
About the approach
This work emerges from a broader practice spanning research, writing, systems design and field-based inquiry.
Daniel Quinn’s work includes:
- The Ribus global topographic prominence database (7,000+ structured peaks across Earth)
- Published monographs on classification systems and landscape-based analysis
- Experimental and applied work on structured creative thinking
- Long-term development of systems for organising complex, multi-layered information
Field Thinking Sessions are an applied extension of this work:
a way of testing and using structured thinking in direct conversation with real-world problems.
Availability
This is currently a small pilot offering.
Sessions are being run in limited numbers while the format is developed through direct practice.
If you are interested, you can request a session or join the waiting list.
Places will be offered gradually.
How to join
To express interest, please send a short message to dan@gunung.org or via WhatsApp to +447735115013
Please include the following:
- what you are working on
- what you are trying to figure out
- and why this format might be useful for you
You do not need to fully define your project in advance. A rough description is enough.
Locations are agreed in advance and can be adapted for convenience, accessibility and travel within the Edinburgh and Glasgow regions.
Note on approach
This is not a productivity system or life coaching framework.
It is a practical space for thinking clearly, out loud and in motion.
Some ideas only become visible when they are walked into.