See the whole system
Map stakeholders, influences and relationships.
Design thinking resource
Systems Mapping
A visual method for understanding relationships, influences and interactions within a complex system.
Reveal interconnections
Identify dependencies, feedback loops and patterns.
Uncover leverage points
Find areas where change may create the greatest impact.
Put the method to work
Put Systems Mapping into practice
Define the system.
Identify elements.
Map relationships.
Analyse leverage points.
Why it matters
What Systems Mapping makes possible
Supports systems thinking
Reveals complexity
Identifies intervention points
Strengthens strategic decision-making
Worked example
See it in action
An illustrative learning example, not a documented project case study. Observations, choices and outcomes show how the method could be applied; they are not research findings.
Challenge
Reduce plastic waste on beaches.
System boundary
Coastal tourism ecosystem.
Stakeholders
- Tourists
- Local councils
- Cafes
- Retailers
- Environmental groups
- Waste services
Key relationships
- Tourism increases consumption.
- Increased consumption increases plastic waste.
- Plastic waste damages coastal environments.
- Damaged environments reduce visitor satisfaction.
- Reduced visitor satisfaction impacts tourism.
Feedback loop
More tourism → more waste → poorer environmental quality → reduced tourism attractiveness.
Intervention points
- Refillable water stations
- Deposit return schemes
- Reef-safe retail partnerships
Insight
The problem is not simply littering behaviour. Multiple actors contribute to the issue and therefore multiple interventions are required.
Common mistake
Creating stakeholder lists instead of showing relationships and feedback loops.
Continue exploring
Return to Explore Possibilities.
Place this method back within the broader 5E Design Thinking Framework and continue developing your understanding.