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 »
Welcome to the Censemaking Methods Series dedicated to profiling tools, techniques, methods, and issues tied to strategic design for impact. Today we look at evaluative thinking, the bedrock of understanding our influence on the world. Evaluative thinking is a disciplined approach to reflective practice, inquiry, and creative design that forms the backbone for any initiative …
Evaluation is a practice of applying a critical lens to what we’ve done and created and assessed what value it brings into the world. Its value can’t be overstated if we look and listen. Evaluation is not a concept that many people embrace with affection. Too often I see it used and discussed in a …
Social innovation has stalled while its need has never been greater: How might we bring it back to life? This second of a two-part series that builds on a piece originally published on Medium. A new dawn for social innovation could be upon us if we look closely. As I outlined in an earlier article, …
Social Innovation’s Update: Part 2 – An Opportunity and Future 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 »
Complexity is straining the ability of traditional plans to function as designed. When mass systems change is afoot, the key is not to jettison traditional planning, but collaborate with complexity rather than ignore it. In an earlier post I made the case that the days of linear planning were over. I stand by that, but …
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 …
Persistent, dramatic changes are taking place that influence our work, communities, and personal lives and understanding what it means to learn, respond, and succeed will take changes in how we evaluate it all. A key feature of change in a complex system is that once its shifted, it never goes back; there’s no ‘undoing’ what’s …
We need systemic action informed by systems thinking to address the global challenges facing humanity. Alas, too many are focused on the thinking (and talk), not action. My aim for writing this is because I believe strongly in the potential of systems thinking for action. I don’t see much hope for humans if we can’t …
Systems Thinking and Systemic Action Aren’t The Same Thing Read More »
Humans tell stories to each other through narrative, pictures, and data and models can help us make sense of things, but do they help us act? Or worse: do these models contribute to inertia? If you want to get a lot of traction on social media with a certain crowd, put up a model or …
Models for Clarity or Confusion: Are Your Sense-making Efforts Serving You? Read More »
