
The original version of the “family board” came with a line running along the edge of the board, which – according to the intention of the ingenious inventors of the method – was to represent the boundaries of the system. This also made it possible to depict marginal figures or even outsiders. Keyword: Who does not belong, but should belong – or vice versa – who is here, but actually does not belong?
In counseling with the constellation-board, we are asked again and again: “What does the square line here at the edge mean?” A possible and sensible answer is: “We have to ask the client!” The board is the representation platform of our clients. THEY have the design sovereignty here. Of course, we can put in “suggestions” and point out that this line is a boundary. But is it really necessary to “foist” this meaning on clients? After all, once this construct has been offered, it is very rarely questioned.
More and more often, too, you don’t need exactly these border lines anymore – or not exactly there. Sometimes it’s helpful to have no lines on the board at all, sometimes you need two or even three zones nested inside each other. Sometimes it’s helpful to first hide the lines completely, and then set up a square zone of any size as the session progresses. Why square and not circular? Because the square represents the basic shape of the board and all distances to the edge of the board are equidistant and symmetrical in 2 dimensions.
The design options of a professional visualization tool must be adaptable to the maximum to the current challenges of the consulting process – and the online-constellation-board sees itself as a professional tool for professionals.