Home › Systems › Tools
Behaviour Over Time Graph
Systems / Tools
Sketch how a variable moves over time. The shape reveals the system.
The Tool
A simple chart: x-axis is time, y-axis is the thing you care about. Draw the shape — rising, falling, oscillating, plateauing. The curve tells you what kind of dynamics are at work.
Why It Matters
- Point-in-time data hides the story.
- The shape points to the mechanism: linear growth, S-curves, spikes, cycles.
- Teams align faster when they argue about a drawn curve.
How to Apply
- For any important metric, sketch its curve over a meaningful period.
- Draw what you expect next. Then compare to what actually happens.
- Multiple curves on one graph reveal relationships.
What Shapes Mean
- Linear — constant rate.
- Exponential — feedback loop accelerating.
- S-curve — growth hitting a ceiling.
- Oscillation — delayed feedback.
- Flat with spikes — shocks without damping.
Related