Contemporary Iconography for Rich Picture Construction

Abstract

There are many tools available to elicit knowledge and provide understanding of organizational concerns. This paper focuses on the rich picture (RP) used within the soft system methodology. The RP is a diagrammatic means of identifying differing world views with the aim of creating shared understanding of the organization. The RP has predominately been used as a freeform, unstructured tool with no commonly agreed syntax. Our research suggests that the RP requires structure to become a contemporary knowledge elicitation device. We claim that there has been a change to icons that are renowned as being synonymous within previous RP construction. Our research has investigated the modern iconography to be incorporated within a symbol legend for future RP construction. We conclude that a contemporary icon legend key could offer considerable benefits to the creator and interpreter of the RP ensuring greater appreciation of the problem situation. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.