Adopting a systemic mindset

Designing systemically requires us to behave differently, to question the received way of running projects and setting up collaboration spaces. In short, it requires us to adopt a systemic mindset; to see the world as interconnected, complex and constantly changing.

This toolkit asks you to embrace the chaos and sit with the discomfort that it brings, rather than returning to a linear, disconnected way of seeing the world.

To do this requires practice. These tools are designed to flex your systemic thinking and doing skills and to support you as you navigate complexity.

Examples of systems:

A system can be natural, like a forest. The soil, trees, vegetation, animals etc. are all interconnected, relying on one another to thrive.

A system can be man-made, like a school. There are lots of elements within a school system: teachers, students, buildings, learning resources, and even provision of food during the school day. We know that this is a system because the elements are interdependent, i.e. if the teachers go on strike or the building is under repairs, the system breaks down.

A system can be found in seemingly everyday objects, like a cup of tea. A cup of tea is the result of interconnected systems. From agricultural practices and global trade, to supermarkets and shopping habits.

Look at the objects around you. What systems are at play?