ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Goal structuring notation

Goal Structuring Notation (GSN) is like making a map of how to achieve something we want to do. Imagine you want to build a big tower with blocks, but you can't do it all at once. You need to follow some steps, right?

Well, to make sure we follow these steps, we draw a map of what we need to do. This map should tell us what we should do first, second, and so on. It helps us see what we need to achieve our final goal.

Similarly, GSN helps us make a map for achieving our goals. But instead of blocks, we use diagrams and symbols. Like building a tower with blocks, a complicated project or task can be broken down into smaller tasks or steps, which are easier to complete.

The symbols used in GSN have specific meanings that helps us understand what we need to do. For example, a goal is shown with a hexagon shape, and a solution is shown with a rectangle shape. We connect these symbols with arrows to show how they relate to each other.

When we use GSN, we can easily see our plan to achieve our goal. It helps us keep track of what we have done and what we still need to do. It also helps us to show to others what we are doing, and it helps make sure everyone knows what needs to be done.

In summary, GSN is like a treasure map, leading us through the different steps we need to follow to get to our treasure- our final goal.
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