Systemic Design: How to Approach Problems Without Solutions

In life, we constantly face problems that seem impossible to solve. From family conflicts to business or social challenges, we all experience situations that test our best intentions. Most concerningly, sometimes the proposed solutions end up worsening the problem. But how can we change this paradigm?

For Valentina Álvarez

The Dilemma of Unsolvable Problems

Design has positioned itself as a problem-solving discipline. Since the Design Thinking methodology, popularized by the consulting firm IDEO, introduced empathy as key to understanding people's needs, we have seen the birth of hundreds or thousands of products and services that aim to improve our quality of life (IDEO, 2022). However, some of these end up generating more problems than benefits.

One example is the case of Stanley thermoses. This product was designed as a sustainable alternative to disposable plastic bottles, but Their popularity has now made them a symbol of overconsumption, generating a much greater environmental impact than they sought to avoid.

This paradox is not exclusive to a sector or a region. Governments, companies, and designers face a recurring question: why can't we solve problems?

The complexity of systems

To understand why we fail to address certain problems, we must first recognize that we live in a world of complex systems. These are made up of components that interconnect and interact in ways that are not always predictable. According to Acaroglu (2024), when we move one component, it affects others, which in turn affect others.

When we try to solve problems without considering the big picture, we run the risk of creating solutions that worsen the situation. Instead of moving forward, we face unintended consequences that hinder our progress.

Beyond Design Thinking

Although Design Thinking is a valuable methodology, it is not enough on its own to solve complex problems. It needs to be complemented by systems thinking. This approach, proposed by Donella Meadows, helps us analyze the relationships and dynamics within a system.

The combination of these disciplines gives rise to Systemic Design, a methodology that integrates design empathy with a deep understanding of systems.

The 7 Steps of Systems Design

In their book, Design Journeys through Complex Systems, Peter Jones and Kristel Van Ael propose a seven-step approach to implementing Systems Design (2022):

Frame the system This step involves establishing the boundaries and scope of the system, and mapping its hypothetical parts and relationships.

Listen to the system. This step involves validating the system's previous hypothesis, and listening to the people involved in it to understand its impact and their experiences.

Understanding the System: This step involves understanding the influence of variables and interactions on dynamics and identifying leverage points.

Defining the desired future: This step involves helping stakeholders envision the desired future and the desired value creation.

Exploring the possibility of space: This step involves exploring the most effective design interventions with the potential for system change, considering variations for different contexts.

Planning the change process: This step involves defining and planning the reorganization of the ecosystem to achieve the desired value creation.

Fostering the transition This final step consists of defining how these interventions will mature, change, and be adopted into the system.

Designing effective solutions goes beyond empathizing with users or applying creative methodologies. It requires understanding the entire system and involving all its participants in the creation and decision-making process. Only then can we avoid perpetuating the same problems we're trying to solve.

Systemic Design is a powerful tool for tackling complexity. If you're considering adopting this approach in your business, send us a message, we can help you develop solutions that generate a positive, sustainable, and genuinely people-focused impact.

References

• Jones P, Van Ael K. Designing Journeys Through Complex Systems: Practice Tools for Systemic Design.; 2022.
• Systemic Design Toolkit – Methodology. https://www.systemicdesigntoolkit.org/methodology.
• IDEO Design Thinking. IDEO | Design Thinking. https://designthinking.ideo.com/.

Acaroglu L. Tools for Systems Thinkers: The 6 Fundamental Concepts of Systems Thinking. Medium. https://medium.com/disruptive-design/tools-for-systems-thinkers-the-6-fundamental-concepts-of-systems-thinking-379cdac3dc6a. Published March 28, 2024.