Systemic Design Principles for Complex Social Systems

Abstract

Systems theory and design thinking both share a common orientation to the desired outcomes of complex problems, which is to effect highly-leveraged, well-reasoned, and preferred changes in situations of concern. Systems thinking (resulting from its theoretical bias) promotes the understanding of complex problem situations independently of solutions, and demonstrates an analytical bias. Design disciplines demonstrate an action-oriented or generative bias toward creative solutions, but design often ignores deep understanding as irrelevant to future-oriented change. While many practitioners believe there to be compatibility between design and systems theory, the literature shows very few examples of their resolution in theoretical explanation or fi rst principles. This work presents a reasoned attempt to reconcile the shared essential principles common to both fundamental systems theories and design theories, based on meta-analyses and a synthesis of shared principles. An argument developed on current and historical scholarly perspectives is illuminated by relevant complex system cases demonstrating the shared principles. While primarily oriented to complex social systems, the shared systemic design principles apply to all complex design outcomes, product and service systems, information systems, and social organizational systems.

Institutionalising social learning: Towards systemic and adaptive governance

“…Cross (1975) in course material relating to wicked and tame problems makes the point that 'the problems of science are concerned with 'what appears to be' whereas design problems are concerned with 'what ought to be': now is the time to invest in the second generation deliberative, systemic praxis envisaged over 40 years ago. What Rittel (1972 ; Table 1) imagined and what we practice and advocate encompasses a 'design turn' (Jones, 2014) that moves beyond the restrictive and dated view that systems science is merely a tool for describing a problem (Robin et al 2013, p. 521).…”

Systemic Design Engineering

“…Systemic Design Systemic design is a recent initiative in design that integrates systems thinking and human-centered design, with the intention of helping designers cope with large-scale, complex design projects. (Jones, 2014a, Jones, 2014b The goal is to provide the means by which designers can create sustainable systems avoiding negative unintentional consequences. The systemic design dialogue is driven by the Relating Systems Thinking and Design (RSD) symposium series.…”

Beyond AI: Multi-Intelligence (MI) Combining Natural and Artificial Intelligences in Hybrid Beings and Systems

“…As ever, superficial consideration of causal pathways and contexts can lead to solutions being considered as ends rather than means, and their introduction increasing complexity rather than reducing problems [21][22][23]. In contrast, reference to scientific theory can bring improved description, explanation, prediction, and management of complexity [24][25][26]. Unlike many of the scientific papers presented at AI conferences and published in AI journals, the Asilomar AI Principles are atheoretical.…”