Output
A visualisation of the interactions, relationships, variables, actors, processes and exchanges in a service or policy space.
Outcomes
- A sound understanding of the bigger picture around a problem
Use when
- You’re working in a complex context with lots of actors or variables you need to make sense of
- You need to decide who to speak to during discovery research
- You need to create a vision or a strategy that makes sense in a complex context
System maps are not
- Journey maps – Journey maps are technical artefacts that must include certain features and elements.
Tips!
System maps are only helpful if they assist your team to make sense of complexity. They are a tool, nothing more.
System maps can just be written up on a whiteboard – they don’t usually need to be digitised or published.
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