Page 84 - Ai V2.0 Flipbook C7
P. 84

Elements (also called Nodes or Variables)

                  Elements are the individual components, actors, or variables that influence a system. These
                  may include people, actions,  events,  organisations, policies,  or environmental  factors.  In  a
                  systems map, each element is typically represented by a labelled node or circle.

                  Example: In a health system, elements could include diet, exercise, access to medical care, and
                  disease incidence.


                  Relationships
                  Elements are connected by relationships, which indicate how one element affects another.
                  These relationships are represented by arrowhead lines (→), showing the direction of influence

                  or causality.
                  The nature of these relationships is classified as:

                     •  Positive relationship (+): When an increase in one element causes an increase in another,
                      or a decrease leads to a decrease.

                      Example: An increase in air pollution leads to an increase in respiratory problems.
                      Pollution → (+) Respiratory Illnesses

                     •  Negative relationship (–): When an increase in one element causes a decrease in another,
                      or vice versa.

                      Example: An increase in exercise reduces the risk of heart disease.
                      Exercise → (–) Heart Disease Risk


                  Feedback Loops
                  Feedback loops are cycles where a chain of cause and effect eventually loops back to influence

                  the original element. These loops explain system dynamics and are key to predicting long-term
                  outcomes.

                     •  Reinforcing loop (Positive feedback): Amplifies the original effect, often leading to growth
                      or escalation.
                      Example: More users on a social platform → more content shared → more users join.

                     •  Balancing loop (Negative feedback): Counteracts change, helping the system maintain
                      stability.

                       Example: A thermostat increases heating when the temperature drops, and turns it off
                      when the desired level is reached.


                  Why Do We Use Systems Map?

                  We understand that systems consist of different interconnected parts. When a problem occurs,
                  it is complex and interconnected. Systems mapping visualises the relationships, identifies the
                  root cause, and designs a better solution.


                           82     Touchpad Artificial Intelligence (Ver. 2.0)-VII
   79   80   81   82   83   84   85   86   87   88   89