Base120 · Systems
Feedback Structure Mapping
Diagram causal loops showing how variables influence each other
When to use
"Use when a system's behavior is driven by feedback loops that are not obvious. Diagram the causal loops — variables connected by arrows showing influence, marked as reinforcing (R) or balancing (B). The diagram reveals the system's dynamic structure."
Example
"A product's growth diagram — users -> content -> value -> new users (reinforcing loop R). Users -> support load -> support quality -> user churn (balancing loop B). The diagram shows that growth (R) is fighting support load (B), and the leverage point is support scaling."
Common misuse
"Drawing the diagram without distinguishing reinforcing from balancing loops. The distinction is the point — reinforcing loops amplify, balancing loops regulate. Without the distinction, the diagram is a web of arrows, not a system model."