1.Tell a short story to give an overview of the situation.
2.Select the most interesting story (In a multi story workshop)
3.Ask (the storyteller) detailed questions on the selected story
4.Collect variables (observables or measurables) variables and other elements based on the current situation. Interventions come later.
5.Draw arrows between variables. does a variable have a positive or negative impact on an other? Start with the most interesting variables.
6.Simplify. strive for 7 +/- 2 variables. Remove all variables that aren't related to others. Keep only the most interesting variables. If there are still too many, split up the diagram. Try step 10 if there are still too much.
7.Look for loops in the relations. are the loops reinforcing or balancing/stabilizing?
8.Add intervention points
9.Draw a 'new system' diagram (in case intervention points are not sufficient)
10. Present the diagram to a group
11. Adjust the diagram based on the feedback (use any of the previous steps as you see fit)
12. Store the diagram so you can easily retrieve it later (digital photos of flipovers, or use a diagramming software).
1. Work with someone. I understand the story better and draw better diagrams when I work with someone. We bring different viewpoints to the same story.
2. Asking detailed questions ... I guess I should blog about this somewhere.
3. Variable Names - I try to use positive or neutral noun phrases. I'm adamant about not using negatives. That way I don't not have to worry about double negatives and thinking backwards. I use "goes up" and "goes down" to check if the names will work for me.
4. Influence between variables - I've seen:
| Positive | Negative |
| (nothing) | Black Dot |
| s(ame) | o(pposite) |
| + | - |
5. I've seen drawings created in almost any drawing package. I have a Visio template created by a friend that provides the drawing items mentioned in DiagramOfEffects. Available free for the asking. I've seen diagrams created in Powerpoint.
6. It's common to spend time working on a drawing. It's uncommon to sit down and draw a diagram on the first try.
DonGray 2006.05.07