Exploring Ecosystems with 3D System Mapping
Let’s dive into the world of 3D System Mapping, a wonderfully playful method for exploring ecosystems!
When Manuel first introduced me to this technique, I was thrilled for two reasons:
Play-Doh! This method lets me incorporate Play-Doh as a go-to workshop material—something I’ve come to adore over the last few months. Play-Doh has this calming, brain-activating, creativity-sparking magic that lowers the threshold for participation and encourages imagination.
The Method Itself: 3D System Mapping is a brilliant, insightful way to explore shared systems, whether it’s in a team, a community, or any collaborative space.
So, What’s 3D System Mapping All About?
The idea is straightforward yet powerful:
Build Your Ecosystem: Participants create a physical representation of their ecosystem. As the facilitator, you can choose whether they build individually or as a group, depending on your focus.
Explore from All Angles: Once the system is built, participants view it from four cardinal directions—North, East, South, and West. Each direction represents a different perspective, each with its own guiding questions:
East: The perspective of the heart.
South: The perspective of truth.
West: The perspective of magic.
North: The perspective of renewal.
After taking in these perspectives, participants can reflect on their insights, take them away, or continue refining the system further. It’s such a simple yet transformative approach that I can already tell I’ll be using it a lot in the future!
Want to Try It Out?
One place to experience 3D System Mapping firsthand is at the Playful Organization Event on October 1st in Graz!
Anyways, stay playful!