Progression of researchers’ evolving assumptions and practices in Participatory Modeling. Researchers move from a strictly technical perspective towards full embrace of the partnership perspective. Light blue boxes are evolving assumptions; blue boxes are challenges researchers face when acting on those assumptions, leading to new actions based on the assumptions. Each puzzle piece is necessary but not sufficient in describing how best to achieve innovative solution-building and action, building towards a fuller set of foundations for effective application. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1525/elementa.347.f1