I am bridging two fields that I believe would both benefit from closer interaction: User Centered Design and Systemic Constellations. Here is what my current approach to Systems Thinking Design looks like.

Consciousness of the System

As a Systems Thinking Designer I approach design challenges holistically, recognizing their interconnectedness within multiple webs of meaning and influence, whether it’s a product, service, business, or organization.

We look at the current system and how it is operating with not only our analytical mind (“systems thinking”) but with all of our senses (“systems sensing”). This requires a reflective, awareness based approach in order to uncover underlying dynamics at play.

Change the System through Design

We have been able to achieve so much through design — creating new forms of technology that fit seamlessly with behavior and transform culture. It’s time to redesign for more equity, justice, and improve the wellbeing of our human and non-human world.

In my work I am looking to identify leverage points in the system, as Donella Meadows suggested, where making one small adjustment can bring about a big change in the system.

However as a Designer I am careful not to over-promise on this. When there are shifts in wider systems — the educational system, systems of government, racial injustice, social injustices — we do not know yet make those big tides finally shift.

The organizations I am working with often have an ultimate goal of “systemic change” that I can support by developing products, services, and positioning towards that mission. But most often the leverage points I am looking for as a Designer will focus on what we can change within the organizational system of the team, their approach, and product strategy.

This is about know what you can change most immediately and what is a good use of your efforts and creativity.

Map the System

In terms of design activities, the first step is to Map the System.

Even very early stage ideas are already a systems with an origin, a direction of flow, and a destination it is trying to reach. They also have a founder, a team, partners, an audience, and a flow of money and resources.

If the product, service, or business we are creating is very nascent, and certain aspects of the system are still fuzzy, I use a Systemic Constellations process to clarify and bring some of the key parts of the system into sharper focus.

Designing for Self-Organization

I view products, services, and, and organizations as dynamic entities with information and resources constantly flowing in and out. By identifying blockages and applying interventions, systems can self-organize to regain momentum.

In my work, I draw on Donella Meadows’ view that a small shift can profoundly transform a system, even when all of the other elements remain the same.

When we find the right intervention, because systems are Self-Organizing, we can then stand back as the other elements in the system readjust around the intervention, getting things flowing more easily again.