In the previous post, we looked at what complexity is and left with a metaphor of sailing to describe the ways in which we can understand complexity. In this post, we look at how to navigate complexity and ask: what does that mean for what we do and how we do it? Complexity is a […]
Navigating Complexity: Using Strategic Design Read More »
Space shapes systems, so systems change requires we understand space. In this post, I’m going to use two contexts to illustrate why and how settings affect so much of our lives and why any systems change must account for them if we are to be successful. Take two examples: education, and healthcare. In an educational
Design, Systems and The Settings That Influence Us Read More »
Our dependence on digital navigation tools like satnav maps may disconnect us from the broader landscape. Human-centered design, though important, falls short in addressing complex systemic issues. Embracing a shift towards design for living systems may offer better solutions. Relying solely on digital technology may lead to a loss of context and agency, demanding a redesign of design itself.
Our Maps and Our Territory: Rethinking Human Centred Design Read More »
When we recognize the diversity in our nervous systems, the problems with most organizational planning models become more evident, and we can start designing them for humans, not ideas. If you work with more than one other person — and how many of us don’t? — you encounter diversity. When we design systems to improve
The Neurodiversity of Work and Perils of Planning Read More »
A modern, global culture supported by technology has disconnected us from the rhythms of the natural world. The winter solstice reminds us of them. I’m writing this in that liminal space of the calendar between Christmas and New Years. It’s just after the winter solstice when things are the darkest in my part of the
Seasonal Variations Read More »
In this latest in the Censemaking Methods Series we look at the Prototype Death Rate, a metric for assessing innovation productivity. When an idea has matured enough in our design process, it’s time to create a prototype. This is a tangible or digital ‘mock-up’ of the concept that serves as its first real-world representation. Before
A Metric for Innovation Productivity: The Prototype Death Rate Read More »
Our Censemaking Methods Series continues with a focus on helping your visual thinking practice by introducing the simple Sketchnote and how it can help transform your team’s understanding of systems. Diagrams have a unique way of breaking down the complexity of systems, don’t they? Imagine a tool that lets everyone see and understand a concept from
A Simple Systems Mapping Technique Read More »
In this latest in our Censemaking Methods Series we turn our focus toward applying design to generating impact through better events and gatherings. Crafting an unforgettable gathering is an alchemy of art and science. Through intentional design, we can learn from service design From board retreats, annual general meetings, to brainstorming sessions, a stellar event
Designing More Powerful Events For Greater Impact Read More »
Social innovation was once at the leading edge for social impact thinking and now seems stalled: what happened? This first of a two-part series builds on a piece I published on Medium and can be read here. Social Innovation was a term I used regularly to describe my field of interest. I loved how it
Social Innovation’s Update: Part 1 – A Complicated History Read More »
What does systemic change at an exponential level look like? Look around and you’ll see why a new approach to perceiving the world is now critical. The first question above is answered below: Whether it’s area burned (above) or carbon emissions (below), the Canadian wildfire situation is a start and gigantic example of what exponential
Exponential Lessons for Systems Action Read More »
