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   ｜System Map

This tool captures the key roles, relationships, and dynamics of a system to enhance understanding of the big picture and potential disruptions to the system.

Session Length: 45+ minutes Group Size: 4+ people Prep Time: 10-20+ minutes

WHEN

Use a System Map in the early phase of a project, when the system may not be fully understood or defined.

WHY

This approach helps a team understand the problem space, players, possible disruptions, and opportunities. The process can also aid in problem framing. A map can help make the team mindful of the needs and priorities of the larger community. The emphasis on relationships and dynamics supports building a diverse and inclusive approach to collaboration. This increased understanding also helps foster an adaptable mindset that takes the team beyond status quo solutions.

HOW

STEP 1: Fill out the top boxes by answering the questions, individually or as a group. If done individually, be sure to come together to generate a map that captures the group’s inputs, which will likely be richer and more accurate.

STEP 2: Other questions and considerations to keep in mind while filling out the top boxes include:

• Who maintains/sustains the current system? How?

• Does policy play a role?

• How do the organizations relate to one another? If it helps, draw lines to show connections and relationships.

• What are the most critical relationships?

• Is there any competition?

STEP 3: Pay attention to who is at a disadvantage in the current system, as this may yield some opportunities to further explore.

STEP 4: Move to filling out the bottom row. Again, if working individually first, be sure to reconvene and share inputs for the group map.

STEP 5: Other questions and considerations to keep in mind while filling out the bottom boxes include:

• Who are the disrupters? What are the disrupters? Cultural/Political/Social? Technology/Hardware/Software? Process?
• Are there any trends outside the system that could have an effect? What type of effect would it have? How could we avoid it?

STEP 6: Once the System Map is complete, there should be a few ideas to explore regarding possible opportunities to bring positive change or disruption to the system.

System Map｜Toolkit