CLD Instructions

We all have our useful ways of diagramming. Trying to convert a non-causal loop diagram into a CLD is like trying to uncook an egg.

The sequence below will be explained and illustrated. From this we hope to provide sufficient guidance so anyone can create credible and useful causal loop models.

Arrows diagram

#1 Startwith a SingleVariable#2 NoNon-VariablesPlease#3Questionsthat FindVariables#4Connect theVariables#5 RecordCausal LinkPolarity#6What isMissing? #7Causal LoopPolarity?#8 IdentifyLeveragePoints#9 DoSomething--ExperimentWaysInPreliminaryDiagramsCreatea List ofVariablesBrainstormingVariablesDocumentsStoriesBehaviorOver TimeGraphsCriticalLoopWhat willimproveit?Whatwill make itworse?Whatdoes thisaffect?Consequenceof ChangingThis?StakeholderNeedsSystemNeedsWhen themodel is welldevelopedask:Supporting(S) EffectOpposing(O) EffectMakeHiddenVariablesExplicitMissingRelationships?CoherentStory?SystemInputVariables Findand CloseLoops#10Learning?WhatWill beDifferent?Whyis thisimportant?Whataffectsthis?HOW doesthis affectanother?SystemOutputVariables ReinforcingLoopsBalancingLoops

.

Arrows diagram

Site Owned by: Kerry Turner