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)
Run this exercise live
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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 means: we track where an exercise has been observed in public sources. We do not claim to know who created it, or how popular it is.
- No efficacy claims: appearing in this library is not a claim that the exercise is proven effective. Facilitator judgment and context decide whether it works for a given room.
- Corrections: if you have evidence of an earlier or more accurate source, read our methodology and trust boundary and tell us.