Using Cognitive Mapping to Elicit Modelling Requirements: An Overview

Water management arises in the context of social systems where human perceptions form the basis for problem definition. Actors construct various cognitive interpretations of the problem causes, and therefore, preferred solutions and responsibility attribution. Differences in interpretations may lead to conflicts, ambiguity, policy controversies and partial solutions. Thus, it is essential to share and align different interpretations as a way towards the design of integrated strategies that accommodate multiple interests and views. Interactive simulators are promising tools to facilitate communication among actors. This research aims to develop a simulation tool that can be used for learning and communication about water issues. We make use of soft (e.g. cognitive mapping) and hard systems thinking (system dynamics) techniques for requirements elicitation and tool design. This paper provides an overview on the development process.