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 »
The finger-pointing to the moon is a model, not a truth. What happens when our models and frameworks become held as truths instead of guides? There’s an often rephrased Zen quote attributed to the Buddha that says: Do not confuse the finger pointing to the moon for the moon itself. Zen Phrase Often our models, …
Models, frameworks and theories are meant to guide what we do, yet they can also obscure what needs doing. The peddlers of ‘ways to think’ need to start showing evidence that matches their enthusiasm. I once got into a bit of an intellectual spat with an instructor of mine when I was completing my master’s …
Design thinking is ready to evolve to the next stage with evidence, case studies, definitions and theories. We look at the current state of the science, art, and practice.
Too much change psychology focuses on the way we think. Sometimes creating change requires we get out of our heads. Norman Vincent Peale is believed to have once stated: “Change your thoughts and you change your world.” Norman Vincent Peale It’s hard to deny that a change of mind can quite literally change the way you perceive the …
Shifting outcomes requires shifts in our thinking about what works The science journal Nature recently published a thought piece looking asking the question: Does psychology have a conflict of interest problem? The article looks at psychologists who consult as well as research and whether or not they should declare the income obtained from the products …
Design thinking is in its ‘bullshit’ phase, a time characterized by wild hype, popularity and little evidence of what it does, how it does it, or whether it can possibly deliver what it promises on a consistent basis. If design thinking is to be more than a fad it needs to get serious about answering …
Developmental evaluation is an approach (much like design thinking) to program assessment and valuation in domains of high complexity, change, and innovation. These three terms are used often, but poorly understood in real terms for evaluators to make much use of. This first in a series looks at the term complexity and what it means …
A nice summation of what Design Thinking is and how its been applied elsewhere with an eye towards education. This is shared from the User Generated Education blog.
Design thinking may be more of a stance than a theory or method and Roger Martin’s recent talk on design thinking illustrates how teaching and encouraging new ways of viewing problems may provide better ways of solving them.
