Inputs, Outputs, And Feedback

What you will learn

• Understand that almost any everyday situation can be described as a system of inputs turning into outputs, and that seeing systems is the first step to understanding how things work.
• Understand what a feedback loop is, recognise the difference between reinforcing loops (that amplify changes) and balancing loops (that stabilise), and spot both kinds in real systems.
• Learn to draw a simple system map showing the inputs, the processing, the outputs, and at least one feedback loop, using only boxes and arrows.
• Combine the system spotting mindset, the feedback loop analysis, and the simple map drawing into a one page System Map for one real system the student interacts with every week.

What happens in this lesson

1. Chapter 1: Everything Is A System

   Understand that almost any everyday situation can be described as a system of inputs turning into outputs, and that seeing systems is the first step to understanding how things work.

   What you make: A saved system spotter note describing one everyday situation as inputs, processing, and outputs.

2. Chapter 2: Feedback Loops

   Understand what a feedback loop is, recognise the difference between reinforcing loops (that amplify changes) and balancing loops (that stabilise), and spot both kinds in real systems.

   What you make: A saved feedback loop note naming one reinforcing loop and one balancing loop in a real everyday system, with a short explanation of how each one works.

3. Chapter 3: Draw A Simple System Map

   Learn to draw a simple system map showing the inputs, the processing, the outputs, and at least one feedback loop, using only boxes and arrows.

   What you make: A saved simple system map for a real everyday system, showing the inputs, processing, outputs, and at least one feedback loop.

4. Chapter 4: Your System Map

   Combine the system spotting mindset, the feedback loop analysis, and the simple map drawing into a one page System Map for one real system the student interacts with every week.

   What you make: A saved System Map for one real everyday system, with at least two inputs, one processing step, one output, at least one reinforcing feedback loop, and one balancing feedback loop.

5. Chapter 5: Find The Leverage Point

   Evaluate a real system by comparing multiple possible changes and choosing the smallest change that would create the biggest improvement.

   What you make: A saved leverage-point note naming one real system, three possible interventions, and the single best leverage point with a short justification.