The Coastal Futures example is a six-concept map for discussing service continuity. Use it to practise connecting an outcome to the assumptions and dependencies behind a proposed response.

Read the example model

Service continuity is the outcome. Transport disruption threatens it, while a supplier dependency constrains it. A remote service option supports continuity, but depends on partner coordination. A tabletop exercise tests the coordination and examines the supplier dependency.

The screenshot shows these connections in Conceptual Map. Select concepts and inspect their notes when you need the explanation behind a short title.

Build a similar map

Choose a service and keep the first version small enough to review with the people who understand it.

  1. Open a Conceptual Map portlet and create a new model for the discussion.
  2. Use Add concept to record the service outcome, two dependencies, a response option, coordination work and a proposed exercise.
  3. Add notes stating the assumption behind each concept.
  4. Use the relationship controls to connect the concepts. Check the direction of each connector with the group.
  5. Hide the editing panel and choose Fit model to screen for the review.

Use the model to prepare an exercise

For the remote service option, ask what must already be in place. The example points to partner coordination. Add the questions that the exercise needs to test: who participates, what information is required and which dependencies are still uncertain?

Put the agreed preparation work into a Gantt portlet in the same workspace. Use Roadmap for the exercise’s broad phases and Tasks for the individual preparation and review activities.

Update the model after the discussion

Return to the notes and relationships after the exercise. Update assumptions that were contradicted, add missing dependencies and record follow-up work with the appropriate owner.

This fictional map is a workshop example, not an approved continuity or emergency response plan. Its purpose is to make the dependencies and questions available for review by the responsible team.

Try it in your workspace

Choose one response option and check that the model shows what it depends on and how the team intends to test that dependency.

Demo notes and files

The screenshots use the private CEP Blog · Field Notes workspace. The notes below identify the example portlets and downloadable files. Use your own permitted portlets to follow the steps.

See the demo notes ↗

This is part of an editorial retrospective. The archive date is not a feature release date; descriptions and screenshots reflect the November 2026 local demonstration. The examples are fictional.