# How does it work?

Kumu works by making it easy to create a visual representation of a network or system. It is a web-based platform that allows shared access so that teams can easily collaborate.

## Examples

Here's a few examples of what's possible with Kumu:

**Creating a system map to better understand how our democracy works**

![Hewlett Foundation's The Madison Initiative](/files/auPODSlxth4LcIbc4UPD)

**Mapping a network to identify key influencers and gaps**

![DST Innovation Lab](/files/yHuT3PARFua6s1wPTPeu)

**Investigating relationships in cases of possible corruption**

![Rob Ford](/files/OgbMrY3D43uUrsoZ226H)

You can build a map directly within Kumu's UI by hand or you can [import data](/guides/import.md) from a spreadsheet.


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.kumu.io/about-kumu/how-does-it-work.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.