Systems Mapping • WorkshopBank
Systems Mapping • WorkshopBank is a relationship mapping exercise that helps participants build useful connections and understand how people, roles, or ideas relate.
How to run it
- Group size: 6 to 16 people. Works best with 8 to 12. Above 16, split into sub-groups working on the same problem in parallel and compare at the end.
- Minimum 90 minutes for a focused map on a single issue
- Typical 3 to 4 hours for a full map with archetype analysis and leverage point discussion
- Extended 1 to 2 days for Group Model Building on a strategic question
- A wall long enough for a 2 to 3 metre working surface
- Room for people to stand in front of the wall and move around
- Seating at tables or chairs for the pre-work and debrief
- Large sheets of flip chart paper or butcher paper taped together to create a single working surface (minimum 2m x 1m)
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Prompts to use +
Group size: 6 to 16 people. Works best with 8 to 12. Above 16, split into sub-groups working on the same problem in parallel and compare at the end.
Minimum 90 minutes for a focused map on a single issue
Typical 3 to 4 hours for a full map with archetype analysis and leverage point discussion
Extended 1 to 2 days for Group Model Building on a strategic question
Room for people to stand in front of the wall and move around
Seating at tables or chairs for the pre-work and debrief
Run this with your AI assistant +
Works with Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, or your own local model: paste this prompt and your AI will co-facilitate this exercise with you.
Adapt this exercise for my exact room. Exercise: Systems Mapping • WorkshopBank. Readiness: Publishable Draft. Core moves: Group size: 6 to 16 people. Works best with 8 to 12. Above 16, split into sub-groups working on the same problem in parallel and compare at the end.; Minimum 90 minutes for a focused map on a single issue; Typical 3 to 4 hours for a full map with archetype analysis and leverage point discussion; Extended 1 to 2 days for Group Model Building on a strategic question. Return a concise facilitator script with timing, wording, safety notes, and remote/in-person adjustments.
Origin unverified
- Where we observed it: The strongest current observations come from WorkshopBank; aggregators are listed as additional observations, not origin proof. (1 source observed, including WorkshopBank.)
- What that does and does not claim: we track where an exercise has been seen in public sources. We do not claim to know who created it, how popular it is, or that it works. See methodology and trust boundary.
- Corrections welcome: if you have evidence of an earlier or more accurate source, tell us.