Kotter's 8-Step Change Model Theory is a model for change and adaptation. It is a theory of change, which has been proven to be effective in many different fields of human activity. Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model Theory was first developed back in 1985 by Dr. Kotter and his colleagues at the University of Chicago. It was originally based on the concept that people are “perceptual machines”, meaning that they have an innate ability to detect patterns in their environment and adapt to them. This ability can be used for good or bad - it can help us adapt to our environment or it can hinder us from adapting, as well as cause us problems if we don't learn from our mistakes.