CECAN has been developing a new app, called PRSM, which runs in a web browser and which helps groups of people collaboratively develop networks or ‘maps’ of policy and other systems online. The network or map can be about anything that has items (or ‘factors’ or ‘nodes’) connected by links (or ‘edges’) – for example, system maps, theories of change, causal influence diagrams, and stakeholder maps. Groups of people, each using their own computer (or tablet), can collaborate in the drawing of a map using PRSM. Everyone can participate because every edit (creating nodes and links, arranging them, annotating them, and so on) is broadcast to all the other participants as the changes are made. The app is designed to be simple and intuitive to use, while providing the features needed for the creation and analysis of system maps.
You can find out more about PRSM at its website. The app is free to use and open source.