How to Draw a Systems Diagram

Step-by-Step Instruc7ons for a

Simple Example
 Basic Steps to Follow:
1. Iden7fy components of system:
– Things
– Events
– Measured Value/Data
2. Characterize the behavior of the system components:
– Are they sta7c?
– How do they change with 7me? Sketch graphs!
3. Iden7fy linkages and connec7ons between components.
4. Draw the linkages between system components, indica7ng feedback
loops.
5. As you draw components and connec7ons on the diagram, make sure
that you have included all of the relevant components.
– Add new components and connec7ons as needed.
– Pay aTen7on to the level of detail you are including – is a component or
connec7on too specific for the diagram you are making?
A Simple Example: Hea7ng a
Room
Step 1: Iden7fy Components of the System
• Components:
– Heater with on/off switch
– Room
– Thermostat (op7onal)
• Events:
– Turning on/off the heater
• Measured Value:
– Temperature of the room
 Step 2: Characterize the Behavior of
the System Components:
• Components: High

Temperature
– Heater with on/off switch
– Room
Low

On Off

Heater State
– Thermostat
• Events: T > set point, switch off
T < set point, switch on
– Turning on/off the heater
• Measured Value:
– Temperature of the room
 Steps 3 & 4: Iden7fy and Draw
Linkages Between Components
(Without Thermostat):

Enter Heater Warmed

Room Switch On Room

High

Temperature
Low

Time
 Steps 3 & 4: Iden7fy and Draw Linkages
Between Components (With Thermostat):

Temperature
High

Warmed
Room
Low

Time
Measure
Temperature

Enter Heater
Thermostat
Room Switch On

T > set point, turn off

T < set point, turn on
Step 5: Consider Where Addi7onal Detail
Could Be Added:
Flows of heated

How the heater works (i.e.

Warmed and cold air into/
out of the room.
switch on, current passed
through element, fan blows
Room
air into room or switch on,
burner fired to heat water,
water circulated through
pipes). Measure
Temperature How the
thermometer
works.

Enter Heater How the

Thermostat thermostat
Room Switch On works.

The biological/physiological
mechanisms for a person
entering a room and T > set point, turn off
sensing the temperature. T < set point, turn on
 Basic Steps to Follow:
1. Iden7fy components of system:
– Things
– Events
– Measured Value/Data
2. Characterize the behavior of the system components:
– Are they sta7c?
– How do they change with 7me? Sketch graphs!
3. Iden7fy linkages and connec7ons between components.
4. Draw the linkages between system components, indica7ng feedback
loops.
5. As you draw components and connec7ons on the diagram, make sure
that you have included all of the relevant components.
– Add new components and connec7ons as needed.
– Pay aTen7on to the level of detail you are including — is a component or
connec7on too specific for the diagram you are making?