The power of visualizing systems

Written by Diana Scearce on Friday, February 19th, 2010
Filed under Synthesis

I love the Albert-Laszlo Barabasi quote: “Networks are present everywhere. All we need is eye for them.” The trick is developing really good eyesight. Or, to extend the metaphor, the best glasses for developing 20/20 vision. The good news is that there are now a lot of tools out there that don’t require an advanced degree in physics or engineering to use.

I had the opportunity to join a webinar led by Steve Waddell recently on what he terms “visual diagnostics.” Steve has an extremely clear frame for thinking about the range of tools for visualizing systems, or in his words, “visualizing complexity.” He discussed four tools:

Web crawls – The host of tools out there for mapping virtual reality. These can be really good for developing intelligence on a field and identifying the major players.
Social network analysis (SNA) – Can use a range of inputs (web crawls, interviews, surveys) to visualize relationships. It’s great for developing a structural understanding of a network and identifying strategic intervention points.
Value network analysis (VNA) – Pioneered by Verna Allee, this method visualizes the players’ different roles within a system.
Strategic clarity analysis — tools for visualizing systems dynamics that create a shared picture for stakeholders.

For all of these tools, the main caveat is to keep in mind is that maps are only as good as their inputs. For a deeper dive into each I recommend reading Steve’s paper on Visual Diagnostics.

One of the things I found especially helpful about Steve’s analysis is that he contextualizes social network analysis within the broader frame of understanding systems. It’s not just about links and nodes. It’s about power of developing shared mental models that can provoke powerful strategic dialogue, and action.