Social System Cybernetics Map | CMU Fall 2015
The purpose of this map is to use cybernetics to create a simplified and easily understandable map to tackle primary effectors and effects of a complex, "wicked" problem.
Worked with a partner in attempt to create a social system map of a schizophrenia patient. Complex systems can be difficult to pinpoint as many factors can be involved. Personal, treatment, societal, and disease factors are taken into consideration.
Step One | Research
The "spine" problem statement determined was: PATIENT seeks TREATMENT for SCHIZOPHRENIA.
Research was conducted to determine key players and objects involved in system. Their relationships were then mapped to find a singular, core statement to explain the system being tackled.
Step 2 | Hierarchy
Tertiary levels involve elements that may not relate to the primary actors directly, but are factors which play a significant role in the system, such as commitment, financial burdens, altered behavior.
Secondary actors were determined by those involved directly with a schizophrenia patient: doctors who prescribe treatment, family members who are caretakers, and government policies.
Step Three | Categorize
Yellow - disease/disorder.
Pink - personal relationships.
Green - societal relationships.
Blue - treatment/care.
Digitizing elements. Once digitized, elements were then rearranged and grouped into corresponding overarching categories for easy and straightforward comprehension.
Below shows a digital version of the groupings before creating the finalized mappings.
Step Four | Conclusion
Both of these elements are resulting factors from multiple categorizations within the map, which then form a long chain of cause and effects. These factors were then mapped back into the system to show the complex cyclical nature of the disorder in society.
Pain points of the system were identified by the elements of the map containing a heavy amount of resulting arrows. STIGMA and FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE were found to be the most significant pain points connecting a variety of areas of the system.
