This step is purely manual: through discussion, brainstorming, notes and records from the group. It provides the basis for the establishment of the variable set, and for a preliminary effect system. We recommend that you write down a summary of your system description in the notes by using the button "notes", thus capturing the basic information at every step of your work. # Methodical approach In this tool the computer serves mainly as a help for information for the first collection of variables and the delimitation of the system. Thus click the offered tips one after the other and keep these in mind while you build up your system. Parallel to this somebody should enter the variables and descriptions in the system tool VARIABLE SET as they are found during the discussion. Finally the group builds up a preliminary effect system. Here you get to know some features of the computer program's graphic possibilities. will get some more information to it by a special INFO-button. # Background Information The most important steps in every system exploration should begin with: the establishing of the limits of the system a first collection of the influencing variables the first relations between these the outline of a system picture and eventually of a preliminary pattern of interactions *** All this should be done in an interactive group during a first workshop to this subject.