System Map

OUTCOMES

Understand the entire system you are working within and determine where your product and service could create the most impact.

USING THE TOOL

System Mapping is a great method to find new ways of tackling problems by identifying connections within your project that may not be initially obvious. It is a helpful tool to use when making decisions about how and where to intervene effectively in a system to create maximum impact.

1. Describe the problem system: Under problem statement, describe what the problem is, who is connected to or affected by it, and how it is manifesting today.

2. Define your system boundary: This may be obvious from your problem statement, but this could be a geographical focus or a specific part of a system. Understand what is inside and outside that boundary so you know what to focus on.

3. Define the main Entities: An entity, in this case, is something that can influence or be influenced by something else - for example, people, organisations, places, technologies etc. Start with whatever is in your problem statement and then add anything else throughout the mapping process.

4. Draw dynamics between entities: Identify and draw a connection explaining how each entity influences another. Note that one can influence another in two ways, positively and negatively. Also, don’t hesitate to add additional entities during this process to represent other elements you discover in the system when making these connections - ask yourself ‘what causes this?’ or ‘what results from this?’. For example, data flow, money, information, materials, people moving etc.

5. Draw Conclusions: Look for patterns and feedback loops in your system map and add a circle or label to them and explain what they mean or why they are interesting.

6. Identify points of intervention: Look for areas where you think your product or service, or any kind of action would have a positive effect through the system.

good sequence

Stakeholder map > System map > Interviews

other names

Touchpoint Map

Tips

• Don't forget to refer back to this with your clients and project partners as you move through the project as some of the expectations may change depending on the direction of the project

• Don't be concerned if not all categories of success are filled in this exercise - projects have different priorities

• If you can, prioritise or categorise which elements of success are essential to achieve and which are extra bonuses. It may help to create a scale with some of the metrics