A Rich Picture is a free-form, hand-drawn diagram used to capture and explore complex situations. It serves as a visual tool for groups to share perspectives, identify problems, and build a shared understanding of a particular context. The term was popularised by Peter Checkland as a foundational step in his Soft Systems Methodology (SSM).
Unlike formal diagrams, a Rich Picture has few rules. It encourages the use of symbols, sketches, and cartoons to represent a situation’s various elements and their relationships. The goal is to create a “rich” visual summary that captures both objective facts and subjective elements like opinions, conflicts, and emotions. Moving away from text allows Rich Pictures to surface hidden issues and unspoken assumptions within a group, making it easier to discuss sensitive topics.
Key Areas to Include in Your Drawing
When creating a Rich Picture, aim to represent the complete situation as you see it. Your drawing should attempt to capture the following key areas to be effective:
- Structure: The physical and organizational elements of the situation. This can include buildings, departments, geographical layouts, and key groups or teams.
- Processes: The activities, workflows, and sequences of events that take place. Show how things are done, what information is exchanged, and the flow of actions from one point to another.
- People: The individuals and groups involved, also known as the “actors.” Try to depict their roles, responsibilities, and characteristics. Use simple stick figures or more detailed cartoons.
- Relationships & Connections: The links between different elements. Use lines (solid, dotted, jagged) to show communication, influence, dependencies, or conflicts.
- Issues & Concerns: The problems, conflicts, anxieties, and points of tension within the situation. These are often the most important part of the picture. Use symbols like storm clouds, question marks, or crossed swords to represent them.
- Climate & Culture: The “soft” or subjective aspects of the situation. This includes the general mood, prevailing attitudes, unspoken rules, and political dynamics. For example, is the environment collaborative, tense, or bureaucratic?
Dos and Don’ts for Creating Rich Pictures
Do
- Use a large, shared space: Draw on a whiteboard or flip chart paper that is visible to everyone in the group at all times.
- Embrace drawing and symbols: Favour images over words. A simple cartoon or symbol can convey much more information and emotion than a block of text.
- Capture everything: Include facts, opinions, feelings, and conflicts. Don’t filter your thoughts or worry about being tidy. The messiness is part of the process.
- Use colour and different line styles: Assign meaning to colours and lines to differentiate between types of relationships, feelings, or elements.
- Collaborate and discuss: Talk with your group as you draw. The conversation that happens while creating the picture is as valuable as the final drawing itself.
- Show yourself in the picture: Include yourself and your group to represent your own perspective and role within the situation.
Don’t
- Don’t write long sentences or paragraphs: Avoid text as much as possible. If you must use words, keep them to single labels or short phrases.
- Don’t worry about artistic skill: The quality of the drawing is not important. The goal is to communicate ideas, not to create a masterpiece. Simple stick figures are perfectly fine.
- Don’t try to be too structured: Avoid creating a formal flowchart or organizational chart. A Rich Picture should be a free-flowing and even chaotic representation of reality.
- Don’t hide from difficult issues: The purpose is to surface problems and conflicts. Be brave and include the challenging or sensitive aspects of the situation.
- Don’t let one person dominate: Ensure everyone in the group has a chance to contribute to the drawing and the discussion. Pass the pens around.