Impact Pursuit: Systems Mapping Tool

Ann-Louise Davidson

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Objective: The objective of this gamified tool is to map a system to identify dynamics and paint points.

Process: The game will take you through 5 phases that are designed to help you identify the key stakeholders and components that have an impact on your users, the types of interactions taking place between the various components of the system, and the possible avenues for solutions.

Players: The game can be played by one person (the innovator or entrepreneur) or a team. Involving users and some other stakeholders in the system can enhance the map and fill in gaps the innovators or entrepreneurs are not aware of.

Recommended Times: The activity will take approximately 75-90 minutes to complete. We have provided recommended times for each step of the game. These times were developed for students in an innovation course where time is limited. We strongly recommend extending each phase, even over multiple sessions, to produce a more in-depth map.

Credits: This gamified tool was created in collaboration with Nathalie Duponsel, Geneviève Lamarche and Jonathan Chaloux.

Ann-Louise Davidson

Professor @ Concordia University

I am the Director of the Concordia University Innovation Lab and a Professor in Education. In Fall 2025, we are launching a new microprogram designed to cultivate an innovation mindset in students. The tools we’ve developed are actively integrated into the lab’s learning experiences and my courses. As a passionate collaborative action researcher, I am deeply committed to developing methods that structure meaningful conversations and uncover thinking patterns.