System Mapping

Visualise and make sense of complexity.
Collaboratively.

System Mapping is a visual language to communicate and understand the elements, relationships, and dynamics within a system.

Our world is dynamic and complex. A dynamic web of elements which are constantly moving and influencing each other. Changes rarely happen overnight; they build up gradually until we finally notice them. Systems Thinking helps us understand complex dynamics and make better decisions. By understanding how each part works and interacts, we can see the bigger picture.

System Mapping is one of the most powerful tools in Systems Thinking. Its structured approach helps us see patterns, uncover hidden connections, and truly understand how a system works. Plus, it's all about collaboration: the visual language allows us to connect with others, break down silos, and integrate diverse perspectives to build shared understanding.

Where to start?

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How to make sense of all the information?

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How to find root causes?

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How to engage stakeholders?

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Where to spend our limited resources?

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Where to start? ... How to make sense of all the information? ... How to find root causes? ... How to engage stakeholders? ... Where to spend our limited resources? ...

Why use System Mapping?

Facing complex challenges can feel overwhelming. System Mapping helps us navigate complexity by understanding, connecting, leveraging, and learning. Here are four key ways System Mapping can make a difference:

1) Develop a Holistic &

Deep Understanding

A System Map helps us structure and make sense of the vast —sometimes overwhelming — amount of information. By creating visual maps, we can identify connections and gain a bird's-eye view of what's actually going on. We zoom out, looking beyond the trees to see the forest, and begin to understand how seemingly distinct areas interact with each other.

Once we identify a crucial area, we zoom back in to delve deeper into the root causes of our challenges. We constantly ask "why" or "where does this come from" to move beyond symptoms and uncover the deeper, hidden drivers in the system.

2) Foster Cooperation
Between Actors

Cooperation is fundamental in transforming complex systems. While System Mapping can be used individually, it provides even greater value when developed collaboratively. The map structures our discussions with team members, partners, and stakeholders, integrating various perspectives to develop a collective picture of the system.

The method fosters an open environment where everyone can listen deeply to each other's hopes, concerns, and assumptions and develop a shared understanding. It invites participants to recognize their roles within the system and reflect on their own biases.

3) Find Leverage Points

for Sustainable Change

Ever wonder how smallest changes can lead to significant impacts? System Mapping helps us find those critical leverage points by understanding feedback dynamics and root causes. A well-crafted map illuminates potential pathways to reach our goals and helps develop a combination of leverage points can nudge positive changes throughout the entire system.

There are no silver bullets in complex systems, but we need a portfolio of complementary and well-thought-out solutions that contribute to the system's long-term health. System Maps enable us to assess the impacts of interventions while also anticipating unintended consequences.

4) Foster Openness & Continuous Learning

A System Map isn't just a tool for analysis; it's also a medium for communication and continuous learning. By visualizing and sharing our understanding of a system, we contribute to a broader awareness of its intricacies and invite new participants and perspectives into the dialogue.

System Mapping is an ongoing process, with each map serving as a living document that evolves as new insights and challenges arise. This openness invites collaboration, challenges assumptions, and promotes collective action to implement effective leverage points.

Applications of System Mapping

System Mapping is helpful in various fields facing dynamic challenges within complex systems. It's also flexible in its participatory scope - ranging from small sketches by an individual to structure thoughts to a multi-day full participatory mapping workshop with diverse stakeholders.

System Maps &

Causal Loop Diagrams

System Maps come in all shapes and sizes, depending on their purpose and context. When working on real-world system challenges, we've found that the approach of Causal Loop Diagrams (CLD) —derived from System Dynamics — offers the greatest potential to understand causal relationships and identify promising leverage points to make systems more sustainable. The causal loop approach involves creating diagrams that highlight feedback loops within a system, helping us see how different elements influence one another over time and where leverage points can transform the system.