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Hi Reader,

In the last Interconnected edition, we talked about the importance of systems thinking in sustainability. In this edition, we’re building on this by exploring one of the main tools of systems approaches: systems mapping (which Leyla will also be teaching in her upcoming live online Systems Thinking workshop; scroll to the bottom for details!)

With mapping providing a visual representation of the system, a few commonly used mapping techniques allow us to explore the relationships between system elements, define the feedback loops and observe the systems dynamics at play.

For many years, we have shared analog systems mapping processes through the UnSchool (see here). Recently, a new type of systems mapping tool emerged through the ISO Circular Economy standards—a system-in-focus map—and it’s a great way of assessing the transition from linear to circular economy.

So, in this Interconnected, we are taking a deeper look at what it is and how to use systems mapping for applied systems thinking.

READ

Tools for Systems Thinking: Systems Mapping

As part of Leyla’s popular systems thinking series on Medium, she breaks down systems mapping and provides step-by-step instructions for how to create two popular hand-drawn maps that anyone, anywhere, can do: cluster maps (aka brain dump maps!) and interconnected circles maps. Click here to read it.​ ​

How Behavioural Systems Mapping Can Prioritise Solutions

One reason systems mapping is such a vital tool for complex problem solving is because of its distinct ability to explore interconnections and uncover drivers of change. Such is true in this example by Behaviour Works Australia, in which they combined behavioural science with systems mapping to explore behaviours that can advance the circular economy.

System in Focus Maps

The ISO 59000 circular economy standards have been a game-changer for driving circular activation and maturation. A key requirement of the ISO standards is to develop and define your ‘system in focus’, which is a system undergoing assessment in any way. Freshly published by Leyla, this article dives into the system-in-focus map, illuminating how you can use it to define circularity (or the possibilities for it) within the system.

A note from Leyla:

The ability to define and measure the rate of circularity of a system is now enabled through ISO 59020, which is very exciting for those of us who have been working to get products and business processes to be more sustainable.

I see system-in-focus maps as now being a vital toolset for any business or product producer who is working to understand and transform their business model. I personally advise companies to start with a system-in-focus map when getting started or progressing along their sustainability journey, as it allows for a clear snapshot of what's going on in their system. This aligns everyone and enables a starting point for further progress. It also enlightens them to things going on in your system and how they can make changes to address them.

WATCH

Practice: Systems Mapping

Ready to embrace the beautiful chaos that is an analog systems map? This 2-minute video features systems mapping with Leyla as she facilitates a workshop for Finnish educators as part of the Circular Classroom—a multimedia online high school curriculum that we designed for the Finnish education system to advance the circular economy.

REFLECT + ENGAGE

Free Systems Mapping Toolkit

A great entry point for digital systems mapping, Miro offers a free Systems Mapping Toolkit for Beginners.

Live Online: Systems Thinking for Sustainability

If you're ready to dive deep, spots are still available in Leyla's next live online learning cohort!

Here's how It works:

We meet live via Zoom each week for 2 hours of engaging, interactive learning.
Here’s what you’ll explore:

• Week 1: Systems Mindset​
  Rethink how the world works — and how you work in it.
• Week 2: Systems Dynamics​
  Learn to spot feedback loops, delays, and leverage points.
• Week 3: Systems Mapping​
  Practice multiple mapping methods, including new system-in-focus maps.
• Week 4: Systems Interventions​
  Plan and prototype strategies for sustainable change.

+ 6 Months of Access to our platform, tools, and replay videos.

This workshop is for professionals and changemakers ready to integrate systems thinking into their work. Perfect for:

• Sustainability leaders and designers
• Policy advisors and educators
• Social entrepreneurs and creative problem-solvers
• Consultants, facilitators, and change agents
• Anyone ready to think expansively and shift systems for good

That's A Wrap!

That’s it for Edition #8 of Interconnected; we will be back in 2 weeks with more thought-provoking, textured content.

PS: Let us know what you think!

Interconnected is new as of 2025, and we want it to add as much value to your change-making journey as possible. Please take a minute (or less!) to share your feedback ⬇️

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A Note from Emma

We’ve redesigned our newsletter to address sustainability and accessibility factors. We’re using lightweight structure, reduced images, line drawings, hyperlinks instead of embeds, easier to read typefaces, limited caps, and accessible colour & contrasts that balance emission use with visual accessibility and cognitive load. We may adjust these factors as new information and features become available.