Systems Tools for General Understanding

Systems thinking tools can be applied to a wide range of complex and uncertain situations. While earlier webinars in this series have focused on major systems methods (e.g., Soft Systems Methodology, the Viable System Model, System Dynamics, and Critical Systems Heuristics), not every systems-based intervention requires a large, resource-intensive approach.

This two-part webinar series introduces a set of lighter‑weight ‘tools for general or shared understanding’ that can be used across different contexts and scales to help:

• Bring small groups together and structure discussion
• Explore and interpret multiple perspectives in complex situations
• Build shared language and facilitate communication of perspectives
• Support divergent, convergent and creative thinking
• Identify, clarify and plan ways forward in tackling complex public health challenges

Who are these sessions for?

• Researchers, students and practitioners interested in applying systems thinking to public health contexts.
• Public health professionals working in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Community partners and practitioners engaged in health-systems improvement.
• Anyone curious about using systems approaches to support reflective inquiry.

Session 2: Applications of Systems Tools for General Understanding to Public Health

What will we cover in this session?

In session 1, we introduced a set of tools for gaining a shared or general understanding within a complex problematic situation. Building on Session 1, this session explores real‑world examples of how these tools have been applied across various public health contexts. We will discuss their strengths and limitations when used with different stakeholder groups and provide practical guidance on integrating these tools into your own practice.

Tools introduced include: (1) rich pictures, (2) multi-perspective ‘pig’ model, (3) context diagram, (4) concept maps, (5) cognitive maps, (6) six questions and (7) laddering.