About

Description 

Systems mapping is the process of conceptually representing a system (a set of elements and the relationships between them) and illustrating how events in one part of it affect other parts. Whole systems generally exhibit properties or behaviours that cannot be predicted from the properties of the individual parts and system mapping aims to characterise how changes in one area of a system can affect another area.

A key purpose in building systems maps is to gain insight in the underlying structure of a messy, complex situation. A systems map shows how the elements interrelate and where there are opportunities to intervene in the modelled system to influence its behaviour. The essential contribution of systems maps to futures work is to summarise and communicate current trends, relationships and constraints that may influence the future behaviour of a system.

Steps

1. Lay the foundations of the systems map
2. Sketch out a preliminary core causal loop diagram
3. Evaluate the preliminary core causal loop diagram
4. Develop an extended systems map