Introduction to Design with Systems Online Short Course

Course description

The Introduction to Design with Systems Online Short Course is made up of six sessions over a period of six weeks which aim to introduce students to the basic systems theory that is essential for understanding and working with systems. Practical tasks will explore how to map and engage with systems and their varied elements, touching on participatory design practices, co-design methods, inclusivity and ethics.

Many of the challenges we face today are complex and systemic in nature. Emerging societal and environmental problems involve multiple actors with multiple connections and interdependencies, which means that for anything to change we all need to move together. By developing our ‘systems literacy’ we can begin to understand how to define and interact with system elements and actors. Co-creating ‘system sketches’ can aid communication with stakeholders and seed new conversations or ways of seeing the problem space. Representing diverse perspectives can give agency to participants, communities and organisations to innovate and create change.

Each week there will be practical tasks for students to complete in their own time (around 1 hour per week), which will build incrementally as they apply what they have learnt. Students will leave with an understanding of the role of systems thinking within design practice and an action plan for how to apply ‘design with systems’ within their own projects. The course will touch upon a number of topics that students can choose to follow up in more depth independently - these will be signposted along the way.

Course outcomes

By the end of this course you should be able to:

• Approach a given problem or situation from a systems perspective
• Be able to plan a systems mapping exercise to include elements from multiple perspectives
• Plan and carry out engagement with system elements and actors with an awareness of the ethical considerations, constraints, and framing

Who should attend

This course is aimed at:

• Designers, creatives, managers and entrepreneurs in the creative industries interested in pursuing a systems-based approach in their work, and particularly those who are interested in supporting change and transition in their field of work and beyond.
• Civil servants (or other professionals working at a systems level) interested in bringing design approaches into their work

The course is for beginners, students need no prior knowledge of systems thinking but a basic understanding of design is recommended.