SYSTEMS THINKING
MUSEUM ESCAPE ROOM
SECURITY
MAIN HALL
ROOM 6
ROOM 2
Oh no!
ROOM 3
The museum’s masterpieces have vanished!
The gallery is in chaos, and only you can restore order. Each room includes a question linked to systems thinking. Solve the puzzles, and unlock the codes to recover the missing works.
ROOM 1
ROOM 7
EXIT
Room 1
Click here for a hint...
Instructions: Here's two examples of Causal Loop Diagrams, widely used to map systems. How would you read them? Fill in the missing words.
Enter the code from the previous room to unlock the next challenge!
MAIN HALL
SECURITY
ROOM 6
ROOM 2
ROOM 3
ROOM 1
ROOM 7
EXIT
Room 2
Click here for a hint...
Instructions: Below are four different Causal Loops Diagrams. What type of loop is each one of them?
Enter the code from the previous room to unlock the next challenge!
MAIN HALL
SECURITY
ROOM 6
ROOM 2
ROOM 3
ROOM 1
ROOM 7
EXIT
Room 3
Click here for a hint...
Instructions: Systems are not inherently bad or good, it depends on how they are managed. For the below examples, identify if it is a positive/negative impact of reinforcing/balancing loop.
Enter the code from the previous room to unlock the next challenge!
MAIN HALL
SECURITY
ROOM 6
ROOM 2
ROOM 3
ROOM 1
ROOM 7
EXIT
main hall 1
Click here for a hint...
Instructions: Patterns from data ('what'), can be explained with systems thinking loops ('why'). Match the below linear, monotonic and non-monotonic relationships of data to their loop(s).
Linear relationship: more advertising spend leads to more sales.
main hall 2
Click here for a hint...
Instructions: Patterns from data ('what'), can be explained with systems thinking loops ('why'). Match the below linear, monotonic and non-monotonic relationships of data to their loop(s).
Monotonic relationship: more advertising spend increases sales to a point, then plateaus.
main hall 3
Click here for a hint...
Instructions: Patterns from data ('what'), can be explained with systems thinking loops ('why'). Match the below linear, monotonic and non-monotonic relationships of data to their loop(s).
Non-monotonic relationship: more advertising spend initially boosts sales, but beyond a certain point, it leads to oversaturation and fatigue, causing sales to decline.
Enter the code from the previous room to unlock the next challenge!
MAIN HALL
SECURITY
ROOM 6
ROOM 4
ROOM 2
ROOM 3
ROOM 1
ROOM 7
EXIT
Room 4
Click here for a hint...
Instructions: If you want to use the Iceberg Model for Systems Thinking, which questions could help fill in each layer? Match the following four sets with the layer where they belong.
Enter the code from the previous room to unlock the next challenge!
MAIN HALL
SECURITY
ROOM 6
ROOM 4
ROOM 2
ROOM 3
ROOM 5
ROOM 1
ROOM 7
EXIT
Room 5
Click here for a hint...
Instructions : Below are the layers that form the Iceberg Model for Systems Thinking...but they are scrambled. Can you put them back in the correct order?
Enter the code from the previous room to unlock the next challenge!
MAIN HALL
SECURITY
ROOM 6
wc
ROOM 4
ROOM 2
ROOM 3
ROOM 5
ROOM 1
ROOM 7
EXIT
ROOM 6
Click here for a hint...
Instructions: Systems archetypes are common patterns in how systems behave over time. They help spot recurring problems & find better solutions. Identify the archetype for these cases:
Case 1 : SnackCo increases advertising spend, and sales soar. But after a few months, growth slows because shelf space is insufficient.More ads don’t translate into more sales;the system hits a physical limit.
Case 2: FitFuel’s ads perform exceptionally well, so management allocates even more budget to this brand, while smaller brands get less. FitFuel dominates, but the portfolio becomes unbalanced. Success reinforces success.
Case 3: FreshBites’ ads drive huge demand, but the company doesn’t invest enough in analytics and supply chain. Stock-outs frustrate customers, and the brand loses momentum. Growth could have continued, but underinvestment held it back.
Enter the code from the previous room to unlock the next challenge!
MAIN HALL
SECURITY
ROOM 6
wc
ROOM 4
ROOM 2
ROOM 3
ROOM 5
ROOM 1
ROOM 7
EXIT
ROOM 7
Click here for a hint...
Instructions: As you did in previous room, identify the archetype for these additional cases:
Case 4 : DrinkMax and its competitors flood the market with ads during summer. Initially, everyone benefits, but soon consumers feel overwhelmed and tune out. The shared “attention space” gets depleted, hurting all brands.
Case 5: BeautyGlow faces declining sales and launches a massive ad campaign. Sales spike briefly, but the budget blowout forces cuts in product innovation. Months later, sales drop again because the brand feels stale; the quick fix creates a new problem.
Case 3: HomeCarePro struggles with weak brand loyalty. Instead of improving product quality, it relies on heavy ad spending. Sales rise temporarily, but loyalty stays low, so ads become a permanent dependency. The real issue remains unsolved.
You're almost out... Enter the code from the previous room to unlock the next challenge!
SECURITY
MAIN HALL
ROOM 6
wc
ROOM 4
ROOM 2
ROOM 3
ROOM 5
ROOM 1
ROOM 7
EXIT
SECURITY
Click here for a hint...
Instructions: Match the impact statements with the archetype below:
Enter this when prompted, to unlock your next challenge! Click here to proceed.
YOU HAVE DECIPHERED THE NEXT CODE
WASHINGTON DC
Final Room! Enter the code from the previous room to unlock the next challenge!
SECURITY
MAIN HALL
ROOM 6
wc
ROOM 4
ROOM 2
ROOM 3
ROOM 5
ROOM 1
ROOM 7
EXIT
EXIT
Click here for a hint...
Instructions: Below are three questions you can ask yourself to strengthen your systems thinking. Fill in the missing gaps.
Restart
ENTER THE FINAL CODE TO ESCAPE
Restart
Congratulations!
You have recovered all the museum's works. You are a SYSTEMS THINKING MASTER! If you want to access a record of the answers: CLICK HERE. Use the code 'SYSTEMS MUSEUM' to unlock the file. All capitals - it is case sensitive.
HINT:
Use the words ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ for the first part of the sentence. For the second part, state whether the system represents a ‘balancing’ or ‘reinforcing’ loop. For example: Inventory control is a positive effect of a balancing loop; otherwise, stock would accumulate endlessly.
THE CODE WAS:
WASHINGTON DC
Enter this to unlock the next room!
Enter this when prompted, to unlock your next challenge! Click here to proceed.
YOU HAVE DECIPHERED THE NEXT CODE
PARIS
THE CODE WAS:
MEXICO CITY
Enter this to unlock the next room!
THE CODE WAS:
SINGAPORE
Enter this to unlock the next room!
THE CODE WAS:
LAGOS
Enter this to unlock the next room!
HINT:
The three data patterns start as 'reinforcing' loops, but for those that either change rate or direction, their will be a balancing loop too.
THE CODE WAS:
NEW DELHI
Enter this to unlock the next room!
THE CODE WAS:
MEXICO CITY
Enter this to unlock the next room!
HINT:
Events = the observable behaviour. Patterns = consistent or prolonged behaviour. Structures = what reinforces or encourage the patterns. Mental Models = the underlying culture or beliefs that fuel the structures.
THE CODE WAS:
PARIS
Enter this to unlock the next room!
THE CODE WAS:
SAO PAULO
Enter this to unlock the next room!
HINT:
Use the words 'increase' or 'reduce' to fill in the blanks, depending on the effect that is captured in the Causal Loop Diagrams. Check the direction of the arrows and the symbols!
THE final CODE WAS:
SYSTEMS MUSEUM
Enter this to escape!
HINT:
Use the words 'indirectly', 'long run' and 'unintended' to fill in the blanks. But keep in mind they are not written in the correct order here.
YOU HAVE DECIPHERED THE FIRST CODE:
DUBAI
Enter this when prompted, to unlock your next challenge! Click here to proceed.
YOU HAVE DECIPHERED THE NEXT CODE:
LONDON
Enter this when prompted, to unlock your next challenge! Click here to proceed.
THE CODE WAS:
LONDON
Enter this to unlock the next room!
HINT:
The three archetypes represented in this room are: 'Growth and Underinvestment', 'Limits to Growth', 'Success to the Successful'. They are not in order, so follow your intuition to match them with each case. Ensure you type them correctly in the cells.
YOU CRACKED THE FINAL CODE:
SYSTEMS MUSEUM
Enter this on the next page, and you will have escaped! Click here to proceed.
YOU HAVE DECIPHERED THE FIRST CODE:
DUBAI
Enter this when prompted, to unlock your next challenge! Click here to proceed.
HINT:
Each archetype will have a negative impact if not managed properly. There are six of the most common archetypes in this room. Select the one that matches the impact. Follow your intuition, but if you need a bit of help, the first one is "Limits to growth".
THE CODE WAS:
DUBAI
Enter this to unlock the next room!
HINT:
Write the set of questions that can help you investigate further each layer in the iceberg. For example, if you are trying to understand 'patterns' you might need to ask things like 'have we seen this before'?
HINT:
There are two types of causal loops: balancing and reinforcing. Balancing keeps things steady by counteracting change, while reinforcing makes changes grow bigger, up or down. Checking the symbols throughout the loop is key.
HINT:
The three data patterns start as 'reinforcing' loops, but for those that either change rate or direction, their will be a balancing loop too.
HINT:
The three data patterns start as 'reinforcing' loops, but for those that either change rate or direction, their will be a balancing loop too.
Enter this when prompted, to unlock your next challenge! Click here to proceed.
YOU HAVE DECIPHERED THE NEXT CODE:
MEXICO CITY
Enter this when prompted, to unlock your next challenge! Click here to proceed.
YOU HAVE DECIPHERED THE NEXT CODE:
NEW DELHI
THE CODE WAS:
MEXICO CITY
Enter this to unlock the next room!
Enter this when prompted, to unlock your next challenge! Click here to proceed.
YOU HAVE DECIPHERED THE NEXT CODE
SAO PAULO
THE CODE WAS:
MEXICO CITY
Enter this to unlock the next room!
Enter this when prompted, to unlock your next challenge! Click here to proceed.
YOU HAVE DECIPHERED THE NEXT CODE
SINGAPORE
HINT:
The three archetypes represented in this room are: 'Growth and Underinvestment', 'Limits to Growth', 'Success to the Successful'. They are not in order, so follow your intuition to match them with each case. Ensure you type them correctly in the cells.
SYSTEMS THINKING
COBS
Created on December 18, 2025
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Transcript
SYSTEMS THINKING
MUSEUM ESCAPE ROOM
SECURITY
MAIN HALL
ROOM 6
ROOM 2
Oh no!
ROOM 3
The museum’s masterpieces have vanished!
The gallery is in chaos, and only you can restore order. Each room includes a question linked to systems thinking. Solve the puzzles, and unlock the codes to recover the missing works.
ROOM 1
ROOM 7
EXIT
Room 1
Click here for a hint...
Instructions: Here's two examples of Causal Loop Diagrams, widely used to map systems. How would you read them? Fill in the missing words.
Enter the code from the previous room to unlock the next challenge!
MAIN HALL
SECURITY
ROOM 6
ROOM 2
ROOM 3
ROOM 1
ROOM 7
EXIT
Room 2
Click here for a hint...
Instructions: Below are four different Causal Loops Diagrams. What type of loop is each one of them?
Enter the code from the previous room to unlock the next challenge!
MAIN HALL
SECURITY
ROOM 6
ROOM 2
ROOM 3
ROOM 1
ROOM 7
EXIT
Room 3
Click here for a hint...
Instructions: Systems are not inherently bad or good, it depends on how they are managed. For the below examples, identify if it is a positive/negative impact of reinforcing/balancing loop.
Enter the code from the previous room to unlock the next challenge!
MAIN HALL
SECURITY
ROOM 6
ROOM 2
ROOM 3
ROOM 1
ROOM 7
EXIT
main hall 1
Click here for a hint...
Instructions: Patterns from data ('what'), can be explained with systems thinking loops ('why'). Match the below linear, monotonic and non-monotonic relationships of data to their loop(s).
Linear relationship: more advertising spend leads to more sales.
main hall 2
Click here for a hint...
Instructions: Patterns from data ('what'), can be explained with systems thinking loops ('why'). Match the below linear, monotonic and non-monotonic relationships of data to their loop(s).
Monotonic relationship: more advertising spend increases sales to a point, then plateaus.
main hall 3
Click here for a hint...
Instructions: Patterns from data ('what'), can be explained with systems thinking loops ('why'). Match the below linear, monotonic and non-monotonic relationships of data to their loop(s).
Non-monotonic relationship: more advertising spend initially boosts sales, but beyond a certain point, it leads to oversaturation and fatigue, causing sales to decline.
Enter the code from the previous room to unlock the next challenge!
MAIN HALL
SECURITY
ROOM 6
ROOM 4
ROOM 2
ROOM 3
ROOM 1
ROOM 7
EXIT
Room 4
Click here for a hint...
Instructions: If you want to use the Iceberg Model for Systems Thinking, which questions could help fill in each layer? Match the following four sets with the layer where they belong.
Enter the code from the previous room to unlock the next challenge!
MAIN HALL
SECURITY
ROOM 6
ROOM 4
ROOM 2
ROOM 3
ROOM 5
ROOM 1
ROOM 7
EXIT
Room 5
Click here for a hint...
Instructions : Below are the layers that form the Iceberg Model for Systems Thinking...but they are scrambled. Can you put them back in the correct order?
Enter the code from the previous room to unlock the next challenge!
MAIN HALL
SECURITY
ROOM 6
wc
ROOM 4
ROOM 2
ROOM 3
ROOM 5
ROOM 1
ROOM 7
EXIT
ROOM 6
Click here for a hint...
Instructions: Systems archetypes are common patterns in how systems behave over time. They help spot recurring problems & find better solutions. Identify the archetype for these cases:
Case 1 : SnackCo increases advertising spend, and sales soar. But after a few months, growth slows because shelf space is insufficient.More ads don’t translate into more sales;the system hits a physical limit.
Case 2: FitFuel’s ads perform exceptionally well, so management allocates even more budget to this brand, while smaller brands get less. FitFuel dominates, but the portfolio becomes unbalanced. Success reinforces success.
Case 3: FreshBites’ ads drive huge demand, but the company doesn’t invest enough in analytics and supply chain. Stock-outs frustrate customers, and the brand loses momentum. Growth could have continued, but underinvestment held it back.
Enter the code from the previous room to unlock the next challenge!
MAIN HALL
SECURITY
ROOM 6
wc
ROOM 4
ROOM 2
ROOM 3
ROOM 5
ROOM 1
ROOM 7
EXIT
ROOM 7
Click here for a hint...
Instructions: As you did in previous room, identify the archetype for these additional cases:
Case 4 : DrinkMax and its competitors flood the market with ads during summer. Initially, everyone benefits, but soon consumers feel overwhelmed and tune out. The shared “attention space” gets depleted, hurting all brands.
Case 5: BeautyGlow faces declining sales and launches a massive ad campaign. Sales spike briefly, but the budget blowout forces cuts in product innovation. Months later, sales drop again because the brand feels stale; the quick fix creates a new problem.
Case 3: HomeCarePro struggles with weak brand loyalty. Instead of improving product quality, it relies on heavy ad spending. Sales rise temporarily, but loyalty stays low, so ads become a permanent dependency. The real issue remains unsolved.
You're almost out... Enter the code from the previous room to unlock the next challenge!
SECURITY
MAIN HALL
ROOM 6
wc
ROOM 4
ROOM 2
ROOM 3
ROOM 5
ROOM 1
ROOM 7
EXIT
SECURITY
Click here for a hint...
Instructions: Match the impact statements with the archetype below:
Enter this when prompted, to unlock your next challenge! Click here to proceed.
YOU HAVE DECIPHERED THE NEXT CODE
WASHINGTON DC
Final Room! Enter the code from the previous room to unlock the next challenge!
SECURITY
MAIN HALL
ROOM 6
wc
ROOM 4
ROOM 2
ROOM 3
ROOM 5
ROOM 1
ROOM 7
EXIT
EXIT
Click here for a hint...
Instructions: Below are three questions you can ask yourself to strengthen your systems thinking. Fill in the missing gaps.
Restart
ENTER THE FINAL CODE TO ESCAPE
Restart
Congratulations!
You have recovered all the museum's works. You are a SYSTEMS THINKING MASTER! If you want to access a record of the answers: CLICK HERE. Use the code 'SYSTEMS MUSEUM' to unlock the file. All capitals - it is case sensitive.
HINT:
Use the words ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ for the first part of the sentence. For the second part, state whether the system represents a ‘balancing’ or ‘reinforcing’ loop. For example: Inventory control is a positive effect of a balancing loop; otherwise, stock would accumulate endlessly.
THE CODE WAS:
WASHINGTON DC
Enter this to unlock the next room!
Enter this when prompted, to unlock your next challenge! Click here to proceed.
YOU HAVE DECIPHERED THE NEXT CODE
PARIS
THE CODE WAS:
MEXICO CITY
Enter this to unlock the next room!
THE CODE WAS:
SINGAPORE
Enter this to unlock the next room!
THE CODE WAS:
LAGOS
Enter this to unlock the next room!
HINT:
The three data patterns start as 'reinforcing' loops, but for those that either change rate or direction, their will be a balancing loop too.
THE CODE WAS:
NEW DELHI
Enter this to unlock the next room!
THE CODE WAS:
MEXICO CITY
Enter this to unlock the next room!
HINT:
Events = the observable behaviour. Patterns = consistent or prolonged behaviour. Structures = what reinforces or encourage the patterns. Mental Models = the underlying culture or beliefs that fuel the structures.
THE CODE WAS:
PARIS
Enter this to unlock the next room!
THE CODE WAS:
SAO PAULO
Enter this to unlock the next room!
HINT:
Use the words 'increase' or 'reduce' to fill in the blanks, depending on the effect that is captured in the Causal Loop Diagrams. Check the direction of the arrows and the symbols!
THE final CODE WAS:
SYSTEMS MUSEUM
Enter this to escape!
HINT:
Use the words 'indirectly', 'long run' and 'unintended' to fill in the blanks. But keep in mind they are not written in the correct order here.
YOU HAVE DECIPHERED THE FIRST CODE:
DUBAI
Enter this when prompted, to unlock your next challenge! Click here to proceed.
YOU HAVE DECIPHERED THE NEXT CODE:
LONDON
Enter this when prompted, to unlock your next challenge! Click here to proceed.
THE CODE WAS:
LONDON
Enter this to unlock the next room!
HINT:
The three archetypes represented in this room are: 'Growth and Underinvestment', 'Limits to Growth', 'Success to the Successful'. They are not in order, so follow your intuition to match them with each case. Ensure you type them correctly in the cells.
YOU CRACKED THE FINAL CODE:
SYSTEMS MUSEUM
Enter this on the next page, and you will have escaped! Click here to proceed.
YOU HAVE DECIPHERED THE FIRST CODE:
DUBAI
Enter this when prompted, to unlock your next challenge! Click here to proceed.
HINT:
Each archetype will have a negative impact if not managed properly. There are six of the most common archetypes in this room. Select the one that matches the impact. Follow your intuition, but if you need a bit of help, the first one is "Limits to growth".
THE CODE WAS:
DUBAI
Enter this to unlock the next room!
HINT:
Write the set of questions that can help you investigate further each layer in the iceberg. For example, if you are trying to understand 'patterns' you might need to ask things like 'have we seen this before'?
HINT:
There are two types of causal loops: balancing and reinforcing. Balancing keeps things steady by counteracting change, while reinforcing makes changes grow bigger, up or down. Checking the symbols throughout the loop is key.
HINT:
The three data patterns start as 'reinforcing' loops, but for those that either change rate or direction, their will be a balancing loop too.
HINT:
The three data patterns start as 'reinforcing' loops, but for those that either change rate or direction, their will be a balancing loop too.
Enter this when prompted, to unlock your next challenge! Click here to proceed.
YOU HAVE DECIPHERED THE NEXT CODE:
MEXICO CITY
Enter this when prompted, to unlock your next challenge! Click here to proceed.
YOU HAVE DECIPHERED THE NEXT CODE:
NEW DELHI
THE CODE WAS:
MEXICO CITY
Enter this to unlock the next room!
Enter this when prompted, to unlock your next challenge! Click here to proceed.
YOU HAVE DECIPHERED THE NEXT CODE
SAO PAULO
THE CODE WAS:
MEXICO CITY
Enter this to unlock the next room!
Enter this when prompted, to unlock your next challenge! Click here to proceed.
YOU HAVE DECIPHERED THE NEXT CODE
SINGAPORE
HINT:
The three archetypes represented in this room are: 'Growth and Underinvestment', 'Limits to Growth', 'Success to the Successful'. They are not in order, so follow your intuition to match them with each case. Ensure you type them correctly in the cells.