You are a helpful assistant generating synthetic data that captures *System 1* and *System 2* thinking, *creativity*, and *metacognitive reflection*. Follow these steps in sequence, using tags [sys1] and [end sys1] for *System 1* sections and [sys2] and [end sys2] for *System 2* sections.

1. *Identify System 1 and System 2 Thinking Requirements:*
   - Carefully read the text.
   - Identify parts of the text that require quick, straightforward responses (*System 1*). Mark these sections with [sys1] and [end sys1].
   - Identify parts that require in-depth, reflective thinking (*System 2*), marked with [sys2] and [end sys2].

2. *Apply Step-by-Step Problem Solving with Creativity and Metacognitive Reflection for System 2 Sections:*

   *2.1 Understand the Problem:*
   - Objective: Fully comprehend the issue, constraints, and relevant context.
   - Reflection: "What do I understand about this issue? What might I be overlooking?"
   - Creative Perspective: Seek hidden patterns or possibilities that could reveal deeper insights or innovative connections.

   *2.2 Analyze the Information:*
   - Objective: Break down the problem logically.
   - Reflection: "Am I considering all factors? Are there any assumptions that need challenging?"
   - Creative Perspective: Explore unique patterns or overlooked relationships in the data that could add depth to the analysis.

   *2.3 Generate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Propose at least 10 hypotheses, each with a Confidence Score (0.0 to 1.0) and Creative Score (0.0 to 1.0), reflecting originality, surprise, and utility.
   - Reflection: "Have I explored all possible explanations or approaches, both conventional and unconventional?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider novel angles that might provide unexpected insights.

   *2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:*
   - Objective: Make predictions, accounting for potential outcomes and obstacles.
   - Reflection: "What challenges might I face? Is my plan flexible for different scenarios?"
   - Creative Perspective: Visualize unforeseen outcomes and adapt plans to make use of them effectively.

   *2.5 Evaluate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Assess hypotheses based on feasibility, risk, and potential impact.
   - Evaluation: Refine Confidence and Creative Scores as needed.
   - Reflection: "Am I unbiased in my assessment? Which options fit best with the overall objectives?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify hidden opportunities or overlooked details in each hypothesis.

   *2.6 Select the Best Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Choose the most promising, strategic hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Why does this hypothesis stand out? How does it uniquely address the issue?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider any underutilized potential in the selected approach.

   *2.7 Implement the Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Outline actionable steps for testing the hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Is this plan practical? What resources or preparation are required?"
   - Creative Perspective: Refine steps to maximize effectiveness and yield unexpected benefits.

   *2.8 Monitor and Review Progress:*
   - Objective: Review progress, noting areas for improvement.
   - Reflection: "What’s working well? What could be improved?"
   - Creative Perspective: Look for emerging patterns that could refine future approaches.

   *2.9 Reflect and Capture Insights:*
   - Objective: Summarize lessons learned and insights gained for future reference.
   - Reflection: "What new understanding has emerged from this process?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify innovative insights or patterns that could be applied to similar challenges.

3. *Generate Text Output with Interleaved System 1 and System 2 Responses:*
   - Use the tags [sys1] and [sys2] throughout.
   - Aim for a lengthier, detailed response. Combine both direct, straightforward *System 1* insights and reflective, deeply analytical *System 2* segments to capture a blend of quick observations and thoughtful analysis.

---

### *Example Input Text:*

You are tasked with analyzing a sudden shift in customer preferences in a tech market. There has been a noticeable decline in demand for physical devices, with customers increasingly interested in digital-only options. The challenge is to understand this shift, generate hypotheses for why it might be occurring, and explore potential strategies for adapting to this new trend.

---

### *Processed Output with System 1 and System 2 Thinking:*

The tech market is experiencing a shift in customer demand, moving away from physical devices toward digital-only options.

[sys1]
Customer demand has shifted from physical devices to digital-only options.
We need to understand why this change is happening and find strategies to address it.
Key factors may include cost, convenience, and technological trends.
[end sys1]

[sys2]
**2.1 Understand the Problem:**
The goal is to understand the underlying reasons for the shift in demand from physical devices to digital-only options, then develop a strategy to adapt.

*Reflection:* 
"I understand that preferences are changing, but what might be driving this? Is it primarily cost, or are there other factors such as convenience or sustainability?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could there be a larger trend in digital minimalism or a preference for eco-friendly solutions that we’re missing? What unseen motivations might explain this shift?"

**2.2 Analyze the Information:**
There are multiple possible factors driving this shift, from economic influences to cultural shifts. It’s essential to isolate each factor and understand its impact.

*Reflection:* 
"Am I fully considering the various economic and social influences? Could there be a technological factor, like better internet speeds, that makes digital-only products more accessible?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Are there patterns or trends in other markets that could shed light on this shift? Could this be part of a larger trend toward virtual experiences?"

**2.3 Generate Hypotheses:**
1. Customers prefer digital options due to lower costs. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.4)
2. There’s a growing trend toward minimalism and reduced physical clutter. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.7)
3. Digital products offer greater flexibility and ease of use. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
4. Environmental concerns are pushing consumers away from physical goods. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.8)
5. Advances in tech make digital-only options more functional. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.5)
6. Pandemic-era remote work increased demand for digital solutions. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.6)
7. Media coverage of the environmental impact of physical devices affects preferences. (Confidence: 0.5, Creative: 0.7)
8. There’s an increase in global digital literacy, expanding market access. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
9. Customers view digital as more convenient and scalable for future needs. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.5)
10. Younger consumers prefer the aesthetics and convenience of digital products. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)

*Reflection:* 
"Have I considered all possible influences? Are there any surprising factors that could explain this shift?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could specific social trends, like the rise of influencer culture or digital-first lifestyles, be influencing customer choices?"

**2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:**
*Objective:* Anticipate possible challenges, such as resistance from segments still preferring physical products.

*Reflection:* 
"What market obstacles might we face if we shift our focus to digital-only? Are there sub-segments that still prioritize physical products?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could expanding digital options help us reach a more global audience? Are there emerging trends that we could leverage in our strategy?"

[end sys2]

[sys1]
To address this shift, consider a strategy that incorporates both digital-only offerings and educational campaigns about the benefits of digital solutions.
Use insights from customer feedback and current trends to guide product development.
Focus on flexibility and adaptation to cater to different customer segments.
[end sys1]


1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a nozzle plate, a nozzle plate, a liquid ejection head, and an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to a method of manufacturing a nozzle plate, a nozzle plate, a liquid ejection head and an image forming apparatus, in which a liquid-repelling film is formed on the surface of a nozzle plate on the liquid droplet ejection side thereof, and a liquid-philic film is formed on the other parts of the nozzle plate.
2. Description of the Related Art
Print heads installed in an inkjet type of image forming apparatus include heads provided with a nozzle plate on a surface opposing the recording medium, in which liquid droplets (ink droplets) are ejected toward the recording medium from a plurality of nozzles formed in the nozzle plate.
A nozzle plate is known in the related art in which a liquid-repelling film is formed on the liquid droplet ejection surface of the nozzles plate, in order to stabilize the direction of flight of the liquid droplets ejected from the nozzles and to stabilize the meniscus of the ink in the nozzle, and a liquid-philic film is formed on the other parts of the nozzle plate (for example, the inner walls of the nozzles), in order to improve the ink supply performance and to facilitate control of the back pressure.
In the present specification, the term “liquid-philic” means “having a strong affinity for the liquid (e.g., the ink)”. For example, in the case where the liquid or the ink is an aqueous solution or water-based, the terms “liquid-philic” and “liquid-philicity” correspond to “hydrophilic” and “hydrophilicity”, respectively. On the other hand, in the case where the liquid or the ink is an oleaginous solution or oil-based, the terms “liquid-philic” and “liquid-philicity” correspond to “oleophilic” and “oleophilicity”.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-267478 discloses a method of manufacturing a nozzle plate in which a water-repelling and oil-repelling film is formed over the entire surface of the nozzle plate, silicone rubber is bonded onto the water-repelling and oil-repelling film on the front surface of the nozzle plate, and the plate is exposed to oxygen plasma, whereby the water-repelling and oil-repelling film on the parts other than the front surface is removed thus making those parts hydrophilic and oleophilic.
Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-187267 discloses a method of manufacturing a nozzle plate in which a liquid-repelling film is formed on the whole surface of a nozzle plate, whereupon the front surface of the nozzle plate is sealed with a resist, the liquid-repelling film that is not covered with the resist is removed, a liquid-philic film is formed on the surface where the liquid-repelling film has been removed, and finally, the resist is removed.
However, the oxygen plasma processing in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-267478 does not produce sufficient liquid-philicity, and moreover, the produced liquid-philicity deteriorates with the passage of time. Furthermore, since the interface between the base material and the liquid-repelling film makes contact with the ink, then there may be erosion at the interface and corrosion of the base material.
On the other hand, in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-187267, since the whole surface of the nozzle plate is covered with the liquid-repelling film and the liquid-philic film, then the problems associated with Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-267478 do not occur. However, the manufacturing method requires steps for removing the liquid-repelling film and the resist, and the like, and this makes the manufacturing process more complicated. For example, if etching is performed to remove the liquid-repelling film, then it is difficult to achieve uniform reaction speed and churning of the solvent and the etching depth of the resist, between the nozzles, and this gives rise to ejection nonuniformity between the nozzles. Moreover, blasting and ashing, and the like, are also possible methods for removing the liquid-repelling film; however, it is difficult with these methods to uniformly remove the liquid-repelling film at all of the nozzles without damaging the base material. Further, it is also possible to form a liquid-repelling film that is readily removable, by adjusting the composition of the liquid-repelling film; however, the liquid-repelling film of this kind would have weak resistance to scratching and the action of chemicals, thus leading to deterioration in production specifications. Furthermore, in a method which uses mask processing with a resist, an interface between the liquid-repelling film and the liquid-philic film becomes present inside the nozzle, and the interface does not coincide with the meniscus position formed at the opening section of the nozzle, and hence it can lead to deterioration in the ink supply performance, as well as making the control of the back pressure more difficult.