Sign

Label the loop's polarity. Does each trip around the circuit amplify the outcome (reinforcing) or push it back toward a set point (balancing)? Reinforcing loops explain runaway growth or collapse; balancing loops explain why change stalls.

Label the loop's polarity. Does each trip around the circuit amplify the outcome (reinforcing) or push it back toward a set point (balancing)? Reinforcing loops explain runaway growth or collapse; balancing loops explain why change stalls.

Example

In the inbox loop, mark it reinforcing: faster replies raise incoming volume, which pressures faster replies. Nothing in the circuit pulls volume back down, so predict growth, not a stable level. That is why Friday's zero never holds past Wednesday.