Systems Thinking Kata

using the "Project vs Product" kata to explore modeling complex domains

A systems thinking / modeling kata based on a talk given by Edwin Burgers at the SoCraTes 2024 unconference. This repository contains a general overview of the approach, a description of the excercise, and a bunch of diagrams for you to toy with.

There are two main parts to this kata: an introductory tutorial on diagramming, and the main kata itself. The former will help you understand the notation of Causal Loop Diagrams`. The latter will guide you through the process of modeling a complex domain using the “Project vs Product” organizational conundrum.

Jump right in by clicking the “Diagramming” link in the navbar, or by following one of the links below.

Systems Thinking Kata

Project vs Product

Goal

The goal of this architecture kata is to help participants understand the complexity of the relationship between different organizational elements and how they impact the business goal of Customer Satisfaction Rate. As a secondary learning objective, participants will learn the basics of using the Causal Loops diagramming technique to model complicated / complex systems.

Methodology

After a brief introduction to the “Causal Loops” diagramming technique, participants will determine how different organizational elements impact the business goal of Customer Satisfaction Rate (i.e. delivering as much value to their customers as possible).

First Law of Diagramming: The primary value in diagrams is in the discussion while diagramming—we model to have a conversation.

Structure

NameDescription
content/diagram_tutorialThe content of the introduction to Causal Loop Diagramming
content/projects_vs_productThe main system thinking kata content
CHANGELOG.mdThe changelog for this repository
LICENSE.mdThe license file for this repository
GLOSSARY.mdA list of terminology and their meaning
CONTRIBUTING.mdInformation on how to contribute to the repository

Contributing

If you want to contribute to this repository, please read the CONTRIBUTING.md file for more information.

License

This repository is licensed under the Creative Commons BY-NC 4.0. This basically means you can use, share, and adapt this work for non-commercial purposes, as long as you give credit to the original author. You can adapt this work, and use it in your own projects (even for commercial purposes), but you must properly attribute the authors of this work and include a link to this publication.