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

# The Universal Cognitive Grammar of Systems Mapping: A Rubric to Evaluate the Various Tools and Techniques of Systems Mapping

Castellanos Canales A, Lucio Maymon P, Cabrera D, Journal of Systems Thinking 3(1):1-36, 2023

## Abstract

It is well established that visualization is of paramount importance to individual and collective cognition, understanding, imagination, innovation, and knowledge creation. This paper explores the research, theory, and practice that helps us to define and explicate the processes of Systems Mapping. It provides three critical insights: (1) that "visualizing" is a proxy for numerous other functional operations such as: tactile or tangible manipulation and movement; object-orientation; social navigation; and, embodied learning; (2) that any definition of Systems Mapping that does not include an explication of the implicit cognitive structures is lacking; and, (3) that Systems Mapping, like Systems Thinking, must be derived from a universal cognitive grammar (UCG) that parallels physical structures in the universe. The paper concludes that a Rubric to Evaluate Systems Mapping Tools is needed to assess the necessary and sufficient features of any Systems mapping medium (i.e., internal thought, white or blackboarding, tactile manipulatives, software, group process, etc).

## Response

Published in the Handbook of Systems Thinking (Cabrera, Cabrera & Midgley, eds., 2023), a volume built on the premise that systems thinking now has a universal theory—DSRP-484. Its contents were selected on that basis by its editorial team in concert with a team of advisors.

## Questions it bears on

- [Q1001. What is "systems mapping"?](https://dsrpevidence.org/claims)

[Read the paper](https://doi.org/10.54120/jost.0000033)