Categories
Social System Mapping with sumApp and Kumu
Social System Mapping - A new approach to mapping, pioneered by Greater than the Sum, using our data-gathering tool sumApp and the Kumu.io platform. This is where we get started and find our way around.Visionaries/Envisioning: SSM for the Visionary Hat
Everything that happens BEFORE you start setting up sumApp: - How to catalyze a new mapping project. - How to engage the community from the beginning. - How to start to plan the map. Discussions related to purpose, buy-in, starting.Technicians/Mapping: SSM for the Technology Hat
Everything about getting the vision into sumApp and then into Kumu, so the SenseMakers can make use of the map: - Managing sumApp - Managing Kumu - Dealing with data - Visualizing data This is where we talk about the technology.SenseMakers/Sensemaking: SSM for the SenseMakers
Related to what to do with the map once it's done: - Learning - teaching others to 'read' the map. - Using systems-thinking and action-inquiry to mine the map. - Embedding the map into the everyday. Discussions about 'completed' maps.In the News
Share news about your mapping projects and sumApp.
Recent Topics
11/16/20 - DeepDive Discussion - Session Recording - Using Human Systems Dynamics CDE model with Ben Roberts' Now What?! Map
Thank you to Lisa Negstad for co-facilitating this DeepDive discussion! In this video, we use the Human Systems Dynamics CDE model with Ben Roberts' Now What?! map to do some SenseMaking. Links shared in this recording: Ben Roberts' Now What?! Map link11/9/20 - Session Recording - OnRamp - Transformation Systems Mapping and Analysis Working Group map
Christine presents the Transformation Systems Mapping and Analysis Working Group map. This is a newly developing map that still has much to be discovered about what the connections of this network can bring forward. We enjoyed learning from ChristineChallenge first. Sense-making second.
In the sumApp Sensemaking CoP we recently re-surfaced the notion that after the initial delight in a map, the best use of the map is in support of clearly centered and articulated community or individual challenges. Instead of focusing on the map and10/26/20 - Session Recording - TechTalk - Using Liberating Structures with map-hat wearers to connect and share ideas
Thank you to everyone who joined for this tech talk session. We are so appreciative that this Community of Practice is one that is willing to engage and get hands-on. This Tech Talk session introduces using Miro Boards with the group if you are additionally10/19/20 Deep Dive Session - Data Visualization Concepts
In this deep-dive discussion, we look at using data visualization concepts to inform social system map design. Maps shared in this session: Our Community of Practice map Human Systems Dynamics Transformations Systems Mapping and Analysis Working Group Two additional resources related to this session: Preattentive Visual Properties Shneiderman Mantra10/12/20 - Session Recording - OnRamp - Katy Mamen's Social Gastronomy Movement Map
A huge thank you once again for Katy sharing the Social Gastronomy Movement Map! This is a great map to look at for ideas if you are working with groups spread out in many geographical locations. Links shared in this session: Public Social Gastronomy9/28/20 - Session Recording - TechTalk - How to understand and use the @Import setting in Kumu
In this Tech Talk we look at the @Import setting in Kumu, what it does, and why you may want to adopt it into your standard mapping practices.9/21/20 - Session Recording - DeepDive - Using Liberating Structures to help with Map SenseMaking
Thank you again to Jim Best who joined us for an engaging discussion around how Liberating Structures can be used to help inform Social System Map SenseMaking. Links shared in this recording: Principles of Liberating StructuresOn-Ramp - 9/14/20 - Session Recording - Ben Roberts' Now What!? Map
Thank you, again, to Ben Roberts' for sharing his Now What?! map with us so we can continue to watch how his map grows and takes shape. Watch the session recording below.Tech Talk - 8/24/20 - Session Recording - Segments and the Custom Survey Filter
In this Tech Talk, we walk through when and how to use the 'segment' filter to maximum effect, when not to use it, and how to use the 'custom survey filter' feature (in Tier IV) instead of or in addition to 'segment'. View the session recording beloDeep Dive - 8/17/20 - Session Recording - Combining Human Systems Dynamics Models with Social Systems Mapping
Thank you so much to Lisa Negstad for joining us! In this Deep Dive Discussion we explored the intersection of Human Systems Dynamics Models and Social Systems Mapping by using a couple HSD models to SenseMake our own Community of Practice map. Links8/10/2020 - Session Recording - On-Ramp Session - The Community of Practice Map
Thanks to our ever-growing community of new mappers for joining this session! These once-a-month events are perfect for those getting familiar with Social System Mapping. The Community of Practice Map features our own community mappers and Map SenseMaking in action. You can watch August's On-Ramp session recording below.7/27/2020 - Session Recording - Tech Talk - Various approaches to incorporating people and organizations in a map
This Community of Practice Tech Talk video explores the new Dual Elements feature in sumApp as it solves a bunch of problems related to mapping people AND organizations/networks/initiatives. What if you don't need all that robustness? Or what if you don't have the budget for sumApp's 2 Tier IV projects? We'll discuss the possible work-arounds and trade-offs to consider if you can't justify using Dual Elements. Links that were shared in this video/chat discussion: Approaches to Mapping People AND7/20/2020 - Deep Dive - Session Recording - Kumu Presentations
Thank you to those who joined us for this Deep Dive! We hope this helps you get to know and find your own uses for Kumu Presentations! Links shared in this Deep Dive session: Link to join the Community of Practice Map Paper on Kumu for Visualization Google Doc Deep Dive Agenda with Map links from session.7/13/2020 - Session Recording - Alex Abell shares the Knoxville Innovation Ecosystem Map
Huge thank you to Alex Abell for sharing his quickly growing and evolving map! Also, thank you to our growing community that continues to join for our On-Ramp sessions! Links shared in this On-Ramp session: Alex Abell's Knoxville Innovation Ecosystem Map Swarm Creativity by Peter GloorThe Envisioning Forum: For the 'Envisioning' Phase of Mapping and Topics from the 'Visionary' Perspective
Relating to everything that has to happen to get a project underway - before there is something meaningful to look at. If a map doesn't yet exist for a specific group, and you want the group to make one - you're envisioning. You wear the 'Visionary Hat'. Your imagination is engaged with what could exist, but you can't make it happen on your own - because Social System Mapping is an inherently collaborative process. Therefore you need to get others on board - and we have some ideas that will help6/22/2020 - Session Recording - Tech Talk - The Connection Import Feature
Thanks to those who joined us for our June Tech Talk about the Connection Import Feature. This video will walk through the 'Import Connections' feature available in Tier IV and some concepts of when you may want to apply this usage to a project. This can be useful if you have multiple projects with overlapping populations. It enables you to copy connections from one project into another project where the same members are in both projects. You may not have a use for this yet, but you'll be glad to6/15/2020 - Session Recording - Deep Dive - Mental models for social system mapping leadership
Thank you to those of you who joined us for an engaged conversation about new mental models we can bring to leadership surrounding social system mapping.6/8/2020 - Session Recording - Jim Best shares June Holley's Network Weavers Map
Thank you to Jim for presenting and those who joined us for this month's On-Ramp! Links shared in this On-Ramp session: Network Weaving Facebook Group Network Weavers Map Network Weavers Map Opt-In Visual Checklist of Tasks when Starting a New Map Jim's Video Map Guides5/25/2020 - Session Recording - Tech Talk - Advanced Loading of Pre-Existing Data
Thank you to those who joined this Tech Talk on Advanced Loading of Pre-Existing Data. We hope you find this session recording helpful as a walkthrough instructional when you are working with your own data. Links that were shared in this video: Join our sumApp Slack Team Tim's HeaderMaker step-by-step instructions (this includes the link to download the HeaderMaker Excel file) Jim's visual checklist in Kumu Previous related Tech Talk - Loading Pre-existing Data5/18/2020 - Session Recording - Deep Dive - How to keep your Social System Map alive and growing
Thank you to those who joined this Deep Dive Discussion on how to keep your Social System Map alive and growing. This was a generative discussion that we hope continues to inspire new uses and applications for growing social system mapping standard practices. Links mentioned in this recording: Water Issues: Wat-A-Game to work on communities along watersheds Ben Robert's "Now What?!" map5/11/2020 - Session Recording - On-Ramp - Community of Practice map
It is a pleasure to watch this community of practice grow. Thank you to those who have helped contribute to the evolution of this map! Watch the video below for a dive into our ever growing Community of Practice Social Systems Map. Links shared in this video: sumApp Slack Team Community of Practice Map Mario Marais COVID-19 Sources Map Phil Metzler's Staying Connected website sumApp Knowledge Base4/27/2020 - Session Recording - Tech Talk - Loading Pre-Existing Data
Thank you for joining us for this Tech Talk on loading pre-existing data. Links that were shared in this video: Validator Adding pre-existing data preliminaries How to validate a member CSV file before adding it to sumApp4/20/2020 - Session Recording - Deep Dive - Ideas about how mapping could support Covid-19 efforts
Thank you Phil for presenting your ideas and work surrounding mapping efforts in support of community response to COVID-19. We are so grateful to see this community coming together in a time of great global need. Links shared during this Deep Dive Discussion: Phil Metzler's Staying Connected website Pods and Pod Mapping worksheet CSIR4/13/2020 - Session Recording - On-Ramp - The Human Systems Dynamics Institute map
A very huge thank you to Glenda Eoyang and Lisa Negstad for presenting the Human Systems Dynamics Institute map and lending their insight and expertise to our growing community. This was a large and engaged group with many good questions. Please see the session recording below. Links mentioned in the video: sumApp Slack Team Community of Practice Map sumApp Knowledge Base The Human Systems Dynamics website Human Systems Dynamics Network map3/23/2020 - Session Recording - Tech Talk - Time Tagging
In this Tech Talk, we review the practical uses for time tagging and how to execute them in sumApp. Links that were shared in this video: Beta sumApp JSON Join our growing Slack Team Community of Practice map3/16/20 - Session Recording - Deep Dive Mapping Typologies
Christine Capra walks us through an evolving mapping typology and how to apply this to different organizational structures. Links shared in this video: sumApp Padlet link sumApp Slack team sign up link Community of Practice map sign up link Help Portal3/9/20 - Session Recording - On-Ramp Christine Capra presents the Community of Practice map
During this On-Ramp session we used our own Community of Practice map as an example for our growing community! If you are new to Social System Mapping this is a great introductory video to get used to the profile pages, survey basics, and general map views. Links from in this video: Join our Community of Practice map if you have not yet! Our Slack Team is growing! We have special channels for on-ramp sessions so you can dive in, ask questions, and learn more! The token is 'sum-app-slack'The sumAPP & Kumu dance ... some of the steps, Arthur Murray-style
I have been using sumApp with Kumu for a couple years now. There are a lot of moving parts to keep track of when you build a project. The tendency is to dive right in ... and as you go you remember to do this and add that and what about those? How do you estimate your work-time if you can't even remember all the tasks? Here's a a first-draft diagram that might help. I needed it and so might you. Try it out and let me know what I missed. Or fork it and post your version. Much obliged! https://kumu.io/slimjimbest/sumapp-things#ssming-process/ssming-process-copyDirect communication between network members?
Hi Community Im curious to know, is it possible to enable direct communication channels between network members? Either through plugin's or somehow else? Highly appreciated Kind Regards Emil2/24/20 - Session Recording - Tech Talk 'Dual Element Types'
In this Tech Talk we cover our new 'Dual Element Types' feature (Persons and Organizations/Groups) Watch this video for a walk through of the new 'Dual Elements' feature.2/10/20 Session Recording - OnRamp - Sarah Ann Shanahan's Network Thinking Academy social system map.
Thanks again to Sarah for presenting her map with the group. The video is live now, watch below! Here are the links that were mentioned in this video: Christine's blog post, "Whose relationship is it anyway?" Join our sumApp Slack Team, token 'sum-app-slack' Join our Community of Practice network map here.2/17/20 - Session Recording - Deep Dive - Connection Questions
This was an extra engaged deep dive discussion! Watch the video for a great resource on thinking about connection questions. We explore what constitutes good connection questions, and the underlying mental-models and/or philosophical implications inherent in our connection questions. We've included the attachment to the chat discussion as well because there was a great active conversation with questions and strategies along with shared resources. Scroll down for the links mentioned in the video andWhat Deep Dive Conversations Topics Would You Like Us To Discuss?
Hi Everyone, Please let us know what topics you'd like to discuss during our Deep Dive sessions.1/27/20 - sumApp Tech Talk
Member Management Options In this Tech Talk we discussed how to use the Opt-In form and 'My Preferences' and think about how to get members into sumApp based on different contexts. Links mentioned in this video: Help Desk1/20/20 - Social System Mapping Deep Dive Conversation
Visioning Considerations: Approaches to getting started in different contexts Our first deep dive discussion really dove in! If you're thinking through the structure of starting your mapping project, need to understand the sumApp 3 hats better or how to find your team, this discussion is for you! We talked about community member Lisa's project: Staple Foods Collaborative & Prescott College Faculty and thought through her project together. Links shared during this Deep Dive Discussion: Quick link1/13/20 Session Recording - OnRamp - June Holley's Network Weaver's Consultants Map
Thank you to those who joined for this session. We had a great conversation including questions and discussion on organizational strategy, data security, pricing expectations, and how sumApp works over time. This OnRamp session has a little something for everyone gaining interest and knowledge in Social System Mapping. Here are the links mentioned in the video: June Holley's Network Weaver's Consultants Map link SumApp Pricing by TierJoining up social system maps
Thanks Christine, Stephanie, Maya, Tim and everyone for such an excellent Zoom session yesterday. One of the topics that arose was how large a map might be, for people to engage easily, and whether it is possible to join up maps. I'm working with Drew Mackie (who has introduced himself here) and four equalities networks in London to develop a system of digital tools to support collaboration and campaigning within and across networks. Mapping is at the heart of the system, and the aim is to developCommunication within Social System Maps
One other question I raised in the last On-Ramp Zoom call was about how to support communication and collaboration among people on a map. Can we hope for a lot of self-organised peer-to-peer discussion, or is that most likely to be facilitated by map managers or network weavers? In London Drew Mackie and I are working with four equalities networks to map their internal connections, and their cross-network connections. The focus is upon enabling collaboration between the networks on campaigns and12/16/19 Session Recording - Ben Roberts Presenting Now What?! Map
Thank you to those who joined us for this On-Ramp session and to Ben Roberts for presenting his Now What?! Map Links shared in this discussion: www.nowwhat2019.com http://bit.ly/NW3kumumapNext Page
Upcoming Events
To be notified of our online events.
Announcements
TechTalk - Session Recording - 3/22/21 - Transitioning into the New Survey Interface
In this morning's session Christine explained why we have to go back to the drawing board and start from square one with the much anticipated survey upgrade. Which means it will still be several months before we have a new survey tool and it won't look10/26/20 - Session Recording - TechTalk - Using Liberating Structures with map-hat wearers to connect and share ideas
Thank you to everyone who joined for this tech talk session. We are so appreciative that this Community of Practice is one that is willing to engage and get hands-on. This Tech Talk session introduces using Miro Boards with the group if you are additionally7/27/2020 - Session Recording - Tech Talk - Various approaches to incorporating people and organizations in a map
This Community of Practice Tech Talk video explores the new Dual Elements feature in sumApp as it solves a bunch of problems related to mapping people AND organizations/networks/initiatives. What if you don't need all that robustness? Or what if you don't have the budget for sumApp's 2 Tier IV projects? We'll discuss the possible work-arounds and trade-offs to consider if you can't justify using Dual Elements. Links that were shared in this video/chat discussion: Approaches to Mapping People ANDWhat is this forum for?
Use this forum to ask questions, initiate discussions, and offer suggestions about DEALING WITH DATA. sumApp does everything it can to help get your data cleaned up & structured so that it works well with Kumu. But even so, data gets messy, and the way data flows from one context to another sometimes demands thought. If you're stuck or confused or just think it could be handled better - let's talk about that here!6/17/19 Session Recording - Walk Through Several Social System Maps & sumApp Set-Up
Here's a link to the transcript
Sticky Posts
The Envisioning Forum: For the 'Envisioning' Phase of Mapping and Topics from the 'Visionary' Perspective
Relating to everything that has to happen to get a project underway - before there is something meaningful to look at. If a map doesn't yet exist for a specific group, and you want the group to make one - you're envisioning. You wear the 'Visionary Hat'. Your imagination is engaged with what could exist, but you can't make it happen on your own - because Social System Mapping is an inherently collaborative process. Therefore you need to get others on board - and we have some ideas that will helpWhat Deep Dive Conversations Topics Would You Like Us To Discuss?
Hi Everyone, Please let us know what topics you'd like to discuss during our Deep Dive sessions.What are the Social System Mapping Best Practices that We're Learning From Our OnRamp Sessions
Hey folks, In the after-half-hour this past Monday, Seth Horowitz suggested we start tracking what we're learning as best practices that are emergent learnings from maps we're sharing. I proposed that we crowd-source that list using a post in our online Community - so here it is. What principles are you learning from our OnRamp sessions and from your own mapping practice that you would suggest we consider 'best practices'.What Connection Options Have You Used And How Did You Choose Them?
Mappers, Defining connection options in sumApp probably requires the least amount of text needed in a sumApp set-up, but it seems to require the most thought. We could all learn from one another's thoughts on the subject. If you have a few minutes, I'd love for you to: If nothing else - share the connection options you've used in any of your maps (even if they're similar to others), If you're willing to expand a little - the process you used to decide, the factors that guided the decision,Hey! How do I engage with the community?
You can only submit tickets and comment in the community if you're logged into the knowledge base platform at help.sum-app.net. If you're finding this knowledge base & community from inside of your sumApp account - you can't interact from there (yet!). You need to go log into help.sum-app.net. Sorry about the hassle! We need to get some annoying validation functions set up before you can engage from inside of sumApp itself :-)