Systems Thinking Tools

Systems Tools help us do systems thinking by helping us generate and organize information about our system – our situation of interest.  This in turn allows us to explore and answer the questions of the Unified Systems Methodology. There are many systems tools, but we at Burge Hughes Walsh have found a set that is particularly effective primarily because the tools themselves are straightforward.

The Systems Thinking tools are:  

• 18 Words
• Affinity Diagram
• Conceptual Model
• Context Diagram
• Decision Matrix 
• Functional Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
• Function Means Analysis
• Functional Modelling
• Graphical Analysis
• Influence Diagram
• Input-Output Diagram
• Matrix Diagram
• Morphological Box
• Multiple Cause Diagram
• N2 Analysis
• Quad of Aims
• Rich Picture
• Root Definition
• Sequence Diagram
• Spray Diagram 
• Systems Map
• Tree Diagram

To view a full range of BHW's tools, click here.