So we might ask, is there a definable field and practice of systemic design? With Jeremy Bowes, we teach a course in system titled Systemic Design in the Strategic Foresight and Innovation program at OCADU. We believe systems thinking to be one of the core “thinkings” for the SFI program (design, business, and futures thinking, “surrounded” by creative systems thinking). Over the 5 years of teaching the program and producing futures and strategic design studies for agencies and clients, we have found systemic design becoming one of the most differentiating and persuasive competencies, both in its underpinning theory and social technologies. We’ve been making the invisible college of this practice a lot more visible. Working with Birger Sevaldson at AHO, Oslo for the last few years, we’ve coordinated curriculum and methods and have exchanged workshops to develop systems thinking methods in strategic design and service design. At first, this was …
Systemic Design Symposium
Relating Systems Thinking and Design is a free and open symposium in Oslo, Norway over two days with a preceding full day with diverse workshops. The symposium is provided for free, and is open to accepted presentations and to invited and guest participants. The symposium will take place at Oslo School of Architecture and Design for: 9th October: Workshops 10th – 11th October: Symposium Purpose of Symposium The emerging renaissance of systems thinking in design responds to the increasing complexity in all challenges faced by designers and transdisciplinary innovators. Our worlds have become too complex for linear and goal-driven management, resulting in hopelessly complicated social, economic, and political systems. The global demand for sustainability, democratic economies, and the emerging social arrangements for better education, employment, and development have become too complex for conventional thinking. About 50 authors have contributed brief papers and presentations for the 2 day symposium in 5 …
Oslo Seminar on System Thinking & Design
Organized by Birger Sevaldson, I’m at AHO speaking and meeting with a small workshop of people really dedicated to this developing area.
ISSS 2012: Systemic Design Languages
I recently returned from San Jose where I participated in a deeply engaging ISSS 2012, the annual meeting of the International Society for the Systems Sciences organized by outgoing president (and Toronto colleague) David Ing to great effect. Although ISSS is the legacy of the original Society for General Systems Research, it must be credited for moving beyond the conventional scholarly conference formula while keeping its learned society credibility. They continue to adapt to the purposes of effective systems research, deepening learning and practice, and having societal influence. At ISSS, publishing and talks extend the foundation of systems theory and share new applications. The purpose of presenting is more community development, not for credentialing a reference. I presented a short paper and a “Systems Basics” lecture. The short paper was quickly written to capture and share our learning from this year’s Systemic Design course which I teach in OCADU’s Strategic …
