Network patterns describe how relationships and information flow in a system, providing a shared vocabulary for teams to discuss structures and interventions.
Network Patterns
Network patterns are named, visual archetypes that describe how relationships and information flow in a system. The patterns give teams a shared vocabulary to spot structures like hubs, cliques, bridges, and silos, discuss implications, and choose interventions.
Applying the patterns with Net‑Map
The Net‑Map Toolbox, developed by Eva Schiffer, is a practical way to map actors, ties, goals, and influence in your context. Once you’ve mapped your network with Net‑Map, use the pattern cards to interpret what you see, surface opportunities and risks, and decide where to intervene. Learn more here.
Lonesome Twosomes describes disconnected pairs of nodes that are connected to each other but isolated from other pairs, representing isolated dyads within a larger network.
Celebrating diversity through a heterogeneous network that values varied interactions and different node types or connection strengths.
The Boss Is the Boss discusses strict hierarchical structures commonly found in traditional organizations and military command chains.
Homogeneous coalitions are groups of nodes that are densely connected internally with few connections to other groups, typical in networks with factions or cliques.
Get Past the Dragon discusses the concept of a Gate-Keeper as a node controlling access and filtering information in a network.
Disconnected individuals represent isolated entities with no communication or interaction.
The Inner Circle describes a core-periphery network where a central group is densely connected, while peripheral nodes connect only to the core.
Boundary spanners are individuals in a network who connect different departments or communities within organizations.
"Everybody Holding Hands" describes a cohesive clique as a fully connected network where every node is linked to every other node, representing tight-knit groups with strong relationships.
Overview of a hub and spoke network structure, commonly used in organizations and transportation.
More about this
- The original work:
- Liberating Structure (German):
