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When visuals are boundary objects in system dynamics work
Author(s) -
Black Laura J.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
system dynamics review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.491
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1099-1727
pISSN - 0883-7066
DOI - 10.1002/sdr.1496
Subject(s) - construct (python library) , meaning (existential) , computer science , context (archaeology) , argument (complex analysis) , boundary object , dynamics (music) , social dynamics , system dynamics , domain (mathematical analysis) , boundary (topology) , process (computing) , action (physics) , citizen journalism , human–computer interaction , management science , cognitive science , epistemology , sociology , artificial intelligence , psychology , negotiation , engineering , world wide web , social science , mathematics , philosophy , pedagogy , mathematical analysis , chemistry , biology , operating system , paleontology , biochemistry , quantum mechanics , programming language , physics
Using modeling representations as boundary objects provides an important aid to collective meaning‐making. By understanding the construct of boundary objects, which arises from sociological studies of cross‐boundary work, we can increase our effectiveness in using visual representations to facilitate shared understanding for joint action. This paper draws on theories of social construction, distributed cognition, and boundary objects to build the argument that visual representations provide the crucial pivot between the system dynamics modeling method and socially constructing shared meaning. I highlight the role of visuals particularly in the context of group model building because it provides an explicit occasion devoted to shared meaning‐making through facilitated execution of the system dynamics method. Many system dynamicists use the model‐building process and simulation analyses to socially construct shared understanding among people with differing domain expertise, and the theoretical principles and practical guidelines described here can usefully inform efforts beyond participatory modeling workshops. Copyright © 2013 System Dynamics Society