Tool: Systems Boundary
What is it, when to use it, why is it beneficial to do so
The Systems Boundary tool helps a team define what is inside and outside the scope of a systems transformation initiative. It draws a deliberate, conceptual line that creates shared understanding and ownership of the scoping choices. Because the boundary determines which dynamics, functions, and relationships the initiative will pay attention to, it shapes how the system is seen and what becomes possible to influence. The boundary is not fixed — it is iterated and refined as new insights emerge.
Below you’ll find the tool template you can use straight away, along with a Tool Cheat Sheet to support you as you work through it. We’d love to hear how it lands in practice - feel free to share any feedback or questions with us.
We use this tool at the start of Step One – Gaining Clarity – to establish the foundational scope that will inform Stakeholder Mapping and Systems Mapping. A clear boundary prevents teams from scoping too narrowly (missing systemic drivers) or too broadly (becoming overwhelmed). Returning to it throughout the process ensures alignment, surfaces assumptions, and keeps the initiative focused on what is most strategically relevant. Ultimately, the boundary provides a practical, “good enough” frame that guides all further analysis and design.