Visio Use Case - diagrams and system mapping

Audience

Anyone who needs access to a basic diagram and flowchart tool.

Prerequisites

LSE account with full access to MS Office365 suite.

What is Microsoft Visio?

Visio is a diagramming and vector graphics tool designed for flowcharts, system diagrams, and process mapping. It is available as a web version within LSE’s Office 365 (not the full desktop version by default).

Access Visio Online

Does it integrate with Moodle?

No, but diagrams can be exported as images or PDFs and uploaded manually.

Why use it?

• Map out workflows, processes, or systems

• Create swimlane diagrams for research methods or org structures

• Support technical or data-heavy disciplines (e.g. Management, Engineering, Data Science)

Hypothetical Example

A hypothetical instructor in a Management course uses Visio to model stakeholder interactions in a service ecosystem, exporting diagrams to use in lectures and discussion prompts.

How might students use it independently?

Students might use Visio to build network maps, logic models, or flow diagrams for dissertations or presentations.

Digital/Web Literacy Opportunity

Promotes clear visual modelling of systems — a key skill in research design, business analysis, and project planning.

Similar Tools

• Lucidchart (free tier for education, with limitations)

• http://Draw.io / http://Diagrams.net (free, open-source alternative)

• Canva (simpler templates for infographics)

Further Resources

• Visio for Web Overview