Future methodological possibilities

Mapping Paralysis and Tokenism in the Face of Potential Global Disaster (Part #4)

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As was the case with the previous mapping exercise, this very simple method opens the possibility for much further refinement -- potentially calling into question the clusters identified. This could mean:

• (re)identification and (re)naming of the clusters -- perhaps aided by some suitable algorithm
• review of the use of 12 primary clusters (rather than some other number), despite the arguments previously presented  (Eliciting a 12-fold Pattern of Generic Operational Insights: recognition of memory constraints on collective strategic comprehension, 2011). As noted below (Possible countervailing initiatives), a set of 16 clusters was used
• improved clustering into sub-groups of 3 and 4 in the table of 12 (Figure 2)
• improved order of rows or columns in the light of the resulting map configuration (Figure 1)
• improved identification of sub-issues within each of the 12 clusters
• possibility of an improved iterative "tuning" procedure for the above processes

Further thought could be given to:

• extending the map outward to a second concentric ring on which the sub-issues might be more appropriately positioned
• introduction of (directional) lines (links) between the sub-issues of different clusters
• incorporating into the contents of the map that from other such maps (notably Mind Map of Global Civilizational Collapse, 2011; Mapping the Global Underground, 2010)

Further consideration could be given to the "design criteria", as mentioned above:

• how many issues need to be included to ensure the requisite variety of such a map ?
• how appropriate is it to push the number of such issues beyond the "comfort zone" of preference for "seven plus or minus two" ?
• can the issue of "not too many" and "not too few" be addressed with interactive facilities accessible to the user -- as with geographical maps ?
• how is a balance to be struck between the "artificial" design choice of a number (in this case 12) and the necessity of memory reinforcement through patterns (in this case 3 and 4) ?