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Diagramming for development 1: bounding realities
Diagramming for development 1: bounding realities

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2.1 When to use each diagram

For each diagram description below there is a suggested Activity which is itself an animated tutorial.  These are generic tutorials associated with the Study pack T552 Systems Diagramming.

Rich picture

I will use this type of diagramming … when I want to: Examples of use
  • Brainstorm ideas using imagery and other visual means
  • Convey my personal impressions or understanding without being constrained by conventional forms of expression (or lack of language skills)
  • Before the analysis stage in an intervention to:
    • Bring out stakeholders’ general impressions of a situation; and
    • Build confidence amongst stakeholders to engage with further discussions (e.g. as a form of purposeful ‘ice-breaking’)

Activity 1 What is a rich picture?

Watch the video on rich pictures. [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)]

Spray diagram

I will use this type of diagramming … when I want to: Examples of use
  • R distal incident eight and I got a dialling epresent the outcome of an initial brainstorming session in a more structured way
  • Identify the main components (or characteristic key words) of the issue I am interested in
  • To take notes, order thoughts and explore links around, e.g. a briefing document, book, journal article, lecture, seminar or other group discussion
  • To express a complex issue by representing its general characteristics in a simple way

Activity 2 What is a spray diagram?

Systems map

I will use this type of diagramming … when I want to: Examples of use
  • Identify conceptual or biophysical boundaries placed around a particular issue
  • Identify elements outside that boundary which might be significant
  • Explore the significance of changing where the boundary is placed
  • To explore and possibly challenge existing or proposed boundary judgements
  • To provide an initial stakeholder analysis (i.e. those involved = groups inside the boundary; those affected = outside the boundary).

Activity 3 What is a systems map?