Learn how to visualize complexity

An interactive online training
for System Mapping

This training is for anyone eager to explore the power of System Mapping in an engaging and hands-on way. Through inspiring lectures, interactive mapping exercises, and real-world case studies, you'll gain everything you need to start your own mapping journey.

About this Training

What you can expects from
this training?

Introduction into 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.

Practical Tools and Resources

You’ll gain access to our open-source System Mapping Toolkit, packed with all the methods and tools used in the training. All methods and tools we use in the training are accessible for you afterwards to start your own mapping journey.

Step-by-Step Guidance on 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.

Hands-on Experience with
Real-World Challenge

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.

Who is the Training for?

This training is designed for professionals from diverse backgrounds who want to apply System Mapping and deepen their understanding of complex systems.

Innovation Consultants

… who are looking for a more systemic approach to problem solving and design, to apply in client projects.

NGO project leads

… who want to evaluate current approaches and uncover new leverage points in addressing challenges.

Researchers and lecturers

… who want to visually structure research data and to empower students to embrace complexity.

Policy makers

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

Curriculum & Approach

The training consists of three online sessions, each 4 hours long, featuring a mix of lectures, exercises, and teamwork on a real-life case study.

3x4h online Sessions

8-16 participants

Individual & Team work

Frame &
prepare data


We kick off the training with
an introduction in Systems Thinking and complexity, followed by a deep dive into our case study. You’ll collaborate in teams to frame the project analyze data sources to lay the groundwork for your system map.

ACTIVITIES
Define System Boundary,
Analyse Data Sources, Elicitate Variables

Session 1

Create System Map


In the second session,
you’ll learn about the visual language of mapping and the power of feedback loops. Using the data prepared in the first session, you’ll will create the system map together as a team.

ACTIVITIES
Creating System Map,
Exploring Feedback Loops

Session 2

Find leverage
& transfer learnings


The third session focuses on analyzing the map to uncover leverage points in the system. The training concludes with practical tips on setting up mapping processes and applying your learnings to your daily work context.

ACTIVITIES
Identify Leverage Points,
Self-Reflection & transfer

Session 3

Methodology applied
in the training

In this training we use Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs), a powerful tool from System Dynamics,
to help you understand causal relationships and pinpoint leverage points for system change.

What is included?

  • 12h online training

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

  • Digitial Mapping Toolkit

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

  • Certification

    A signed certificate of completion to showcase your expertise.

  • Handout & Reading List

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

Apply System Mapping in your context

"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

“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 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

Experience a collaborative,
inspiring and hands-on
learning journey

Your Facilitators

Fabian Gampp
Co-Founder & Systemic Designer

Fabian Gampp is co-founder of the System Mapping Academy and a seasoned systemic designer and strategic innovator with over 15 years of experience driving transformative change across governments, organizations, and global corporations. He is a trusted advisor to the German government on digital transformation and a lecturer in Systems Thinking and design. His experience includes collaborations with leading institutions such as the UNDP, GIZ, Google, and the Botnar Foundation.

Gian Wieck
Co-Founder & Systems Modeler

Gian Wieck is a systems modeller & policy advisor to help making sense of complex, dynamic systems. He is the co-founder of the System Mapping Academy and senior policy advisor at the German government for international development. He works with NGOs, government agencies and companies on diverse challenges from deforestation in the Amazon to innovation capacities in governments.

We trained over 500+ people of various organizations

We run a very limited number of training a year, and spots are filled quickly. Secure your seat to one of our next trainings now!

Upcoming Trainings

Februar/March

System Mapping Training – Spring cohort

Dates: Fr. 28.02.2025 , Fr. 07.03.2025, Fr. 14.03.2025
Time: 14:00 h - 18:00 h (CET) / 08:00 am - 12:00 pm (EST)
Location: Online (via Zoom)

950,00 € (excl. VAT)

New Training dates are published soon!

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!

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.