SYSTEM MAPPING

Visualising complex, dynamic systems and developing leverage actions and pathways to catalyse change

I work in a team of expert system thinkers and mappers at ReImagined Futures to produce system maps for diverse projects. The system maps, sometimes called Causal Loop Diagrams, represent current dynamics and relationships between different elements and actors within complex systems. They show a holistic understanding of how a system works, which is particularly vital when many of the complex systems we operate in, or surround us, are usually invisible on the surface. From a holistic view of a system, the next phase is to explore leverage points within in the system where small actions can create big changes.

The process of building a system map is based on the Omidyar Group’s Systems Practice approach and has been further developed by the team at ReImagined Futures.

Take a look at this systems map of the fishing industry which I contributed to as part of my work with ReImagined Futures.