1. Problem Setting With A Rich Picture

2. A Rich Picture…. will help you: Identify an issue
Set the issue in a context
Reflect on what is going on
Pose questions for research and action
…when it is difficult to understand

3. The first thing to do is…
consider the situation of the issue This means a situation where there are people, groups, or even organisations who are having difficulties… and you are able to observe this and possibly act

4. Then… consider the issue in terms of the elements of structure…
Organisations and buildings
with a physical or even virtual existence
Groups, teams, departments, people…more or less in structures
Individuals, like you… Crucially, such elements are
relatively fixed and stable in the situation

5. Now… consider the issue in terms of the elements of process.
Activities taking place…
Relationships among…
Groups, teams, departments, etc.
Organisations
Individuals

6. ? Then…. consider the issue in terms of the way structure and
process are interacting.
For example:
Suggests tension between two groups
Suggests confusion between a person and a group
Feel free to make your own symbols to summarise what is happening. ?

7. ? Try to…. ….summarise relationships with statements
I don’t know what they want
She’s failing us ?
….summarise relationships with statements

8. Drawing a Rich Picture
Examine the Rich Picture of the Web Design company Fishy Web Inc and the roles within it.
This example is taken from Andrew Monk and Steve Howard’s useful book on Rich Pictures, available online at
Notice:
The structures showing boundaries between Fishy Web Inc. and other structures such as Competitors and Current Clients. There is also the boundary of the Project Team.
The processes, shown as relationships where influence is working, such as between the Director and Administration, but also Fishy Web Inc and the Professional Society of Web Designers.
The interactions, shown as how relationships are working. There is tension between Fishy Web Inc. and Competitor Companies. The thoughts of various roles and Structures are shown.