[DSRP Evidence](https://dsrpevidence.org/)

# S.3 Systems diagrams and models

## Details

**Authors** Brandsberg-Engelmann et al.

**Year** 2025

**Publisher** Regenerative Economics

**Kind of work** article

**Discipline** Education

**Kind of engagement** applications

[Read it](https://www.regenerativeeconomics.earth/regenerative-economics-textbook/s-systems-thinking-and-models/s-3-systems-diagrams-and-models)

## In authors' words

### Abstract

Learning objectives: "Explain how DSRP patterns can help us understand the uses and limitations of common tools like graphs, tables, brainstorming and outlines"; "Describe symbols used for making systems thinking visible: rectangles for parts, nested rectangles for parts/wholes, (labeled) lines and arrows for relationships, and eyes for perspectives"; "Explain some limitations of systems diagrams". Opening paragraphs: "Have you ever been part of a brainstorming session, maybe for a school project? Then you probably know what happens. People throw out all kinds of ideas, someone writes them down or maybe all the ideas go on sticky notes to be posted on a wall (Figure 1). Overwhelmed with lots of disconnected ideas, the group might find it difficult to move forward. For brainstorming ideas to be really useful, more work needs to be done. Considering distinctions (identity/other), systems (part/whole), relationships (action/reaction) and perspectives (point/view) can help you understand and improve some common education tools like brainstorming, while also giving you the building blocks to use more formal systems thinking methods covered in Sections S.4-S.9."

### What they set out to do (purpose)

A section of the Regenerative Economics open textbook teaching systems diagrams and models through DSRP — rectangles for parts, nested rectangles for part-wholes, labeled lines for relationships, eyes for perspectives.

### What they found (results)

DSRP's four patterns explain the uses and limits of everyday tools like brainstorming, graphs, and outlines — and supply the building blocks for the formal systems thinking methods in the sections that follow.

## Commentary

### In short

This curriculum section applies DSRP to brainstorming, outlining, mind-mapping, graphs, tables, and systems diagrams to show how information can be structured and modelled more explicitly.

**Patterns it shows** D, S, R, P

**Added** 2026-08-14

**How to cite this** Brandsberg-Engelmann et al. (2025). S.3 Systems diagrams and models. Regenerative Economics.