Cognit Syscode Academy

economic systems

Systems Maps and Scenario Stress Tests

6 weeks · 34 hours · Studio with heavy sketching · Online-first

Wall-mounted causal loop diagram for a public infrastructure system

You will move from stock-and-flow sketches to facilitated scenario trees. Emphasis is on feedback delays, unintended consequences, and communication to policymakers. Labs include facilitated challenges from mentors acting as skeptical ministers.

ZAR 920 · informational price · see Returns & Refunds

What is included

  • Guided templates for causal loop diagrams
  • Scenario tree workshop with probability labels as ranges, not false precision
  • Facilitation drills for interdisciplinary audiences
  • Mentor challenges on missing feedback loops
  • Optional module on participatory mapping with communities
  • Peer critique on clarity versus complexity
  • Office hours on translating diagrams to slide decks

Outcomes

  1. Produce a systems map vetted by peers and mentors
  2. Run a stress test that surfaces second-order effects
  3. Present diagrams without overwhelming non-technical audiences
Portrait placeholder for Helena Steyn

Lead mentor

Helena Steyn

Systems lecturer specializing in infrastructure and service delivery.

Participant notes

Systems Maps and Scenario Stress Tests exposed a delay loop I had been blaming on “culture.” Uncomfortable, actionable.
Kgomotso · Planner · 4/5 · Google
Minister role-play was theatrical but surfaced vague links in our water-energy diagram.
Yuki · Regional NGO

Questions

No, digital whiteboard tools are enough; clarity beats art.

Ask about this module · Back to catalog