The second step in the Systems Approach Framework (SAF) is the System Design (1). During the System Design you develop the conceptual model for the virtual system related to the policy issue. This is where you assess data availability, define the various boundaries for your system, define success criteria and identify indicators and discuss potential management options with stakeholders. These management options will form the basis for scenario simulations in the next SAF step.

The System Design step of the SAF consists of a list of actions (figure). By the end of the System Design step you have a conceptual model with clearly defined Ecological-Social-Economic (ESE) linkages, defined boundaries of the virtual system and have an overview of available data.

Open the handbook (1) and click on each of the actions.