CASE STUDY

DRAWING SYSTEMS | SYSTEMS SCRIBING

COLLABORATIVE DESIGN & PROGRAM DESIGN

The Challenge

While in graduate school, a gap became clear: drawing systems are incredibly hard. Drawing complex systems in real-time during conversations was complicated and challenging. Additionally, as knowledge of graphic recording increased, it was clear no methodology existed for graphic recorders to quickly depict systems on the fly. Graphic recorders were struggling to quickly draw systems during client engagements. This gap limited how visual practitioners could support organizations working with systemic challenges.

Approach

Meeting Kelvy Bird at one of her workshops sparked a collaboration to develop what became Systems Scribing—a visual practice combining graphic recording with systems thinking. Together, we researched Eastern and Western approaches to systems thinking, then developed a tangible methodology that graphic recorders (and anyone working in systems) could use to represent dynamics occurring in the moment and over time.

The methodology uses a canvas with specific elements designed for drawing systems while in conversation—requiring no prior drawing experience, making it truly accessible to anyone. This created a critical skill for helping systems see and sense themselves, and crystallize ideas into action.

Global Learning Labs (2018-2022): To test and refine the methodology, we hosted five Systems Scribing Labs online with global participation:

  • Over 450 participants from every continent
  • Invited thought leaders on systems thinking and indigenous perspectives
  • Welcomed both graphic recorders and anyone working in systems
  • Participants gained insight about their own systems by practicing the methodology
  • Individuals from around the world were drawing and deepening the understanding of the systems they were working in

The Impact

  • Created new, accessible methodology filling a critical gap in graphic recording practice
  • Published in Routledge Compendium on Systems Thinking, establishing academic credibility
  • Trained 450+ practitioners globally in the systems scribing approach
  • Became an important methodology widely adopted by the graphic recording community
  • Made systems thinking more visually accessible to broader audiences
  • Demonstrated how visual practice can help systems see and sense themselves  

The Article

Our work is documented in our article, Systems Scribing: An Emerging Visual Practice, in the Routledge Handbook of Systems Thinking, Edited by Derek Cabrera et al. 2022.

Capabilities & Roles

Capabilities Utilized: Collaborative Design and Problem Solving, Program & Curriculum Design, Visual Facilitation & Harvesting

Roles Fulfilled: Strategic Illustrator, Visual Synthesizer, Collaborative Team Member

Collaborator: Kelvy Bird, kelvybird.com

“I want to thank you both and the entire Systems Scribing Lab teaching team for a most authentic and generative virtual container I’ve ever experienced! I came away from the experience feeling inspired by the depth of spirituality, courage and humility that you bring to this work, and enriched by the learning conversations I got to have with participants from so many parts of the world. It was just so cool to learn about scribing and systems thinking not just as a “technique” but a way of being! And it opens up many new curiosities for me to explore as I learn more about both scribing and systems thinking and the integrated practice of “systems scribing”. A deep bow to you for bringing this profound practice into the world, giving it shapes and forms (literally!) and creating a global community for it! I’m so happy to have been part of the cohort of your first online lab!”
– Chelsea L., Systems Scribing Lab Participant
The systems scribing canvas used to help brainstorm and prepare for drawing a system.