Map the System
Creating a visual guide to the animosity that has developed between trail user groups in the Boulder, CO area.
CHALLENGE:
Create a visual representation of a social interaction system including challenges, solutions, and impact gaps.
ACTION:
I chose to explore the social interactions between trail user groups. As an active outdoor recreation enthusiast, the topic was personally relevant.
OUTCOME:
Positive response from peers, noticeable change in classmates' interactions with the local trail network.
Background
In a similar vein to the highly successful 'Map the System' challenge hosted by Oxford, I was tasked with creating a visual representation of a social interaction system. This visual map had to include insights into the challenge landscape, solution landscape, and the impact gaps that separate the challenge and solution landscapes. The map also had to present the information in an easy to understand format for viewers with little to no background experience with the social interaction system in question. In addition to creating the visual map, I was also asked to write a full report to support the findings and design choices included in my map.
Motivation
As an avid mountain biker and outdoor recreation enthusiast, I chose to investigate the interactions between different groups of trail users around me. At the time, tensions were growing between the various trail user groups to the point that direct acts of aggression between trail users were starting to make their way into local news. Clearly, there was a need for some sort of action, but understanding the needs of all of the individual trail user groups and the complex network of interactions between them was no small task.
The Finished Product
While I chose not to enter my system map into the official 'Map the System' challenge, I did showcase my system map with some of my classmates. Feedback on my system map was overwhelmingly positive and, while there is always room for improvement, my system map was good enough to influence the way my classmates understood and interacted with the local trail network. Mission accomplished.
Project Photo Gallery
Click the links under 'The Finished Product' to see full resolution.