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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?

Watch the video on Spray diagrams.

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?

Watch the video on Systems maps.

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