System Mapping Training

Learn how to visualize systems and navigate complexity

Our next cohort starts late February 2025!

Become a Systems Storyteller

This training is for everyone who wants to learn and explore the potential of System Mapping in an interactive and fun way. It brings together inspiring lectures and case studies from the world of System Mapping as well as hands-on exercises.

As a result of this training, you are equipped with everything you need to kick off your own mapping projects with your team.

Hands-On Experience & Guided Learning

We believe in learning-by-doing. You will work on an actual challenge and develop your own System Map. You learn how to structure complex information, how to identify opportunities for impact, and how to use system stories to share your insights.

We will guide you through the process and give you the resources that you need. Thinking about complexity can be tough. We help you to address any difficulties and are there for all your questions along the way.

What you can expects from this training

Introduction into the world
of Systems Thinking

Before we jump into learning about System Mapping, we introduce you to the mindset Systems Thinking. You learn the main principles of Systems Thinking and how to transfer them into the mapping process.

Tools and resources to apply your learnings in practice

This training is based on our System Mapping Toolkit which we developed and published open source. All methods and tools we use in the training are accessible for you afterwards to start your own mapping journey.

Insights into the technique and process of System Mapping

This training focuses on building your capacity to develop meaningful System Maps. We guide you through our established mapping process and show you step-by-step which methods to use, approaches to follow, and questions to ask.

Practical experience in applying system mapping

Throughout the training we will work with a real-life case-study to create a realistic context for creating a system map. In small groups, you will experience the mapping process - from first discussions to exploring areas for system change.

Approach & Curriculum

The training consists of three online sessions with each 4 hours of lectures and exercises. You will work in small teams on a real-life case study that enables a realistic mapping experience.

  • Session 1

    What is System Mapping?

    CONTENT & LECTURES

    • Introduction to Systems Thinking

    • How to use mapping to navigate complexity

    • Introduction of the Case Study

    TEAM EXERCISES

    • Power of visualizing systems

    • Explore variables and system personas

  • Session 2

    How to develop System Maps?

    CONTENT & LECTURES

    • How to create System Maps

    • Power of feedback loops to understand system

    • System Stories as a basis for collective action

    TEAM EXERCISES

    • Develop your System Map

    • Derive and create a Systems Story

  • Session 3

    How to apply System Mapping?

    CONTENT & LECTURES

    • How to analyze a System Map

    • Leverage points to intervene in systems

    • Transfer learnings to your work and projects

    TEAM EXERCISES

    • Analyze a System Map

    • Identify leverage points

    • Reflect learnings

Who is the Training for?

System Mapping is interdisciplinary and applicable to systems in various contexts. Our training is therefore designed for professionals from diverse backgrounds interested in applying System Mapping and in enhancing their understanding of complex systems.

 

Design Thinkers

… who want to approach Human-Centered Design from a more systemic level.

 

Project Leads

… who want to approach coming challenges systemically and develop a shared understanding among the team.

Innovation Facilitators

… who want to enable stakeholders to see the big picture and innovate for the whole system.

 

Policy Makers

… who want to deepen their understanding of the problem and develop effective policies together with stakeholders.

Foundation Managers

… who want to engage their community and improve the impact of their project portfolio.

 

Entrepreneurs

… who want to uncover new potentials and develop impactful solutions for messy problems.

Apply System Mapping in your context

Our learning experience:

Interactive, collaborative,
hands-on, and fun.

What is included
in this training?

 

12h Online Training

3 live-sessions of immersive,
hands-on training, facilitated by
system mapping experts.

 

Handout & Reading List

We provide a complete handout of the
training-content and compelling overview
about our most important sources of
inspiration in the world of System Mapping,
to dig deeper in certain topics.

Digital Mapping Toolkit

With the System Mapping Toolkit you
get everything you need to start your
own mapping journey.

 

Certification

Our signed certificate of completion for
you to use to promote your achievement.

Perspectives from our participants

"The System Mapping Training provided invaluable insights into visually breaking down intricate issues, emphasising feedback loops, and crafting compelling systems stories. Now, navigating and understanding vast amounts of information at the onset of a new UX and Service Design project, has become clearer, thanks to the systematic and effective techniques I acquired through this training."

Giuseppe de Cesare,
Experience Designer, Visual Strategist and Facilitator

“System Mapping as a tool and as a process were highly valuable for our work. For us, the map is a summary of reality and it helps us to see the problems and relationships more clearly. The process allowed us to bring together stakeholders, hear new perspectives and build coalitions for action. The analysis sparked new ideas on how we can make the landscape more sustainable and productive and helped us to develop a more holistic theory of change.”

James Leslie,
Technical Advisor on Ecosystems and Climate Change, United Nation Development Program, Peru

"The journey is the destination! Through system mapping we were able to create a common understanding between different stakeholders and various perspectives. The map offers a good opportunity for discussions and structures them. This made us aware of our assumptions, and enabled us to realize which measures were most effective. The process opened up new perspectives and helped us to work together towards goals."

Judith Mühlenhoff (Ph.D),
Policy Advisor

Upcoming
Online Trainings

950,00 € (excl. VAT)


Structure
Three sessions with four hours each

Number of participants
8 - 20 participants

Resources
System Mapping Toolkit, Guiding Presentation, Reading List

Skill Level
Beginner & Intermediate

Feb/Mar 2025

Session 1: 28.02.2025
Session 2: 07.03.2025
Session 3: 14.03.2025

14:00 - 18:00 h (CET)

Want to train your team?

Great! We’re also offering tailor-made trainings for organizations. Write us a short message with your request and we’ll start a conversation.

Still some open questions?

We’re happy to help you with any questions
regarding the training. Just schedule a short call and let’s chat!

We’ve trained over 500+ people

across various organizations

FAQs

  • No, you don't need any prior experience. Our training focuses on the fundamentals to get you started with System Mapping.

    However, if you already have some background in System Mapping or Systems Thinking, it will help you to grasp the fundamental concepts faster and allows you to progress faster.

  • Yes, we provide you with all the tools and methods needed to get started. During the training we also reflect on your personal next steps to implement this approach into your work.

  • Since System Mapping is interdisciplinary and applicable to systems in various contexts, it is suitable for anyone aiming to enhance their understanding of complex systems.

    Our training is therefore designed for professionals from diverse backgrounds interested in understanding and applying System Mapping. This includes project managers in NGOs, policymakers in governmental institutions, freelance consultants, foundation managers, and designers looking to go beyond human-centered design.

  • Yes, you are encouraged to bring your own challenge or question to the training. This allows you to directly apply the knowledge and skills you learn to your specific topic.

    While you'll work in groups on a prepared case study during the sessions, there will be the opportunity to apply it to your own challenge to enhance your learning experience.

  • Our trainings are held in English

  • Yes, after successful completion of the training you will receive a certificate of participation by the System Mapping Academy.

  • Private Individuals
    If you are attending our training as a private individual, we have to add 19% VAT based on European law.

    Freelancer & Employees
    A VAT exemption might apply if you are a registered freelancer or an employee of an officially registered organisation depending on the place of registration:

    • Located in EU - If you or your employer is registered in the EU, the reverse charge mechanism applies and VAT is exempted. However, we need a valid VAT ID* of your registration or of your organization.

    • Worldwide - If you or your organization is registered outside the EU, VAT could be exempted. However, we need a valid National Tax ID* as a proof that you as a freelancer or your employer are officially registered.

    *Please provide your VAT ID or a valid national tax ID during the booking process so we can include it on your invoice.

  • Payments are possible by bank transfer or credit card.

  • Yes we do! Just send us an E-mail with your request and team-size and we’ll create and individual offer for your organization.