How do we use our causal loop diagrams (CLDs) to design interventions?

Here are a few examples...

My old horse, [[Shantie]], used to headshake. It is a disturbing condition with multiple potential causes. I created a CLD based on my experiences. I developed the diagram as I tried alternative interventions and learned from them.

I can only intervene where I have influence. I have highlighted in green the variables in the model that I can control. I have highlighted in yellow the variables I can influence to some extent.

Here is another example of a problem between two of my friends, Karen and Dave. Karen and Dave are partners but they had a problem they both helped to create. The symptom was Karen's weight. The causes were multiple.

Here I have highlighted in green the variables Karen influences. There are a different set of variables controlled by Dave. The best chance of Karen changing outcomes us to focus on the things within her control.

We can use "uses tree" in Vensim to map the consequences of intervening on a particular variable.

We can also use "causes tree" in Vensim to create a hierarchical driver tree of the relationships driving an outcome variable. The best places to intervene are at the tips of the roots. See [[The 4Is]]. I3: Insight is about designing interventions. We need to remember that I4: Intervention is always an experiment and we must monitor the Impact (I1) if we are to learn.