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Systems Thinking: Diagramming Tutorials

Updated Monday, 28 June 2021
Explore a range of systems diagrams and learn how to draw them - from spray, rich picture, systems map, influence, multiple cause and sign.

Systems diagramming

Take a look at some of the generic diagramming teaching used in Open University courses. Systems thinking practitioners at the OU have supported and developed the use of a range of diagramming techniques as the principal tools through which visual modelling and communication can happen. The following diagramming techniques each have videos providing animated tutorials – one video describing What the technique is and at least one other video describing How to draw the diagram.

The ‘How to draw’ tutorials for Spray, Rich picture, and Systems map listed below are all related to a South African case study with a short summary on the Working for Water Programme (WWP) case study. You may like to read the short summary of the case study before looking at the first three tutorials listed below.

  • Spray diagrams

    What are spray diagrams? How can you draw a spray diagram? This tutorial explains all you need to know...

    Watch now to access more details of Spray diagrams
    Spray diagrams

    Video

    Level: 1 Introductory

  • Systems maps

    Get an introduction to systems maps, why you might use them and discover how to draw them with our diagram tutorial.

    Watch now to access more details of Systems maps
    Systems maps

    Video

    Level: 1 Introductory

  • Influence diagrams

    Ever wondered what an influence diagram is or how to draw one? These video tutorials explain...

    Watch now to access more details of Influence diagrams
    Influence diagrams

    Video

    Level: 1 Introductory

  • Multiple cause diagrams

    What elements do you need to build a multiple cause diagram? These tutorials show you how...

    Watch now to access more details of Multiple cause diagrams
    Multiple cause diagrams

    Video

    Level: 1 Introductory

  • Causal loop diagrams

    These tutorials explain what a causal loop diagram is and show you how to go about drawing one...

    Watch now to access more details of Causal loop diagrams
    Causal loop diagrams

    Video

    Level: 1 Introductory

  • Diagrams in systems thinking

    This video explores how a systems practitioner, who has mastered many diagramming techniques, can provide a thorough analysis of a complex situation. 

    Watch now to access more details of Diagrams in systems thinking
    Diagrams in systems thinking

    Video

    Level: 1 Introductory

 

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