SDX2: Challenge Mapping
Mapping helps people look at and understand a messy problem in context. It enables people to explore the complementary nature of different perspectives and build shared understanding. Mapping enables people to name and show relationships between the different parts of a system, communicate nesting relationships, feedback loops, and patterns of influence.
The challenge map exercise provided participants with an opportunity to engage in a process that articulates challenges that future SDX sessions may focus on, while also practically learning about mapping practices from a systemic perspective. The exercise created a living map that SDX may iterate in future sessions.
A key take-away for the convening team was the procedural challenge of moving a group from a creative divergent process (small group work) to a plenary convergent end (large challenge map creation). Part of the objective in systems mapping is to build shared understanding of the system. Participants need appropriate time to share their perspectives, reflect on others’ and their own ideas, and appreciate diverse opinions in the room. While SDX’ two-hour time frame makes an ideal balance between divergence and convergence challenging, as a place for learning and practice the activity was beneficial.
Click here to read the narrative from SDX2.
