Connected circles are systems thinking tools that help us focus on the interconnections between key parts of a system and how those parts affect each other. The objective is to tease out the relationships between significant elements within the system. A connected circle creates a visual representation of key interconnections in a system and can help illustrate how a system works. Connected circles create a focus on the relationships between parts and the consequences of these relationships—which is what systems thinking is all about.
You can use connected circles for any type of complex problem—whether it be related to a topic you are teaching in the classroom, or a larger learner project or general theme of a course. Some past examples where faculty have applied this tool include: water scarcity, food insecurity in the GTA, and mental health of racialized college learners.
An interconnected circle map is a visual tool used in systems thinking to identify and explore the relationships and interconnections between various parts of a system. It consists of circles representing the key elements of a system, and lines connecting them to show the interconnections and relationships between them. The objective of using an interconnected circle map is to help gain a better understanding of how different parts of a system are interrelated and how changes in one part of the system can affect other parts.
Watch this video below to see how this tool is useful for identifying the causes and effects of problems within a system, and for exploring potential solutions that take into account the complex interactions between different parts of the system. You’ll notice that the example used in this video has appeared elsewhere in this toolkit.