Re-Thinking Systems

Covers key principles and concepts with complex adaptive systems in relation to human-centered design.

Even though it is well acknowledged that the unprecedented interconnectivity of the world economy, the global society, and the natural environment has a direct impact in the local lives and wellbeing of communities, yet change makers such as corporations, NGOs, investors, entrepreneurs and government agencies involved in these systems struggle to understand how these forces can shape contexts, circumstances, and experiences, limiting their ability to envision sustainable solutions and livelihoods. In this course students will learn key principles and concepts on complex adaptive systems in relation to human-centered design for understanding how product and service innovation can shape sustainable value webs and marketplaces.

Learning Objectives

In this course participants will learn…

• Key principles on complex adaptive systems
• Key principles on sustainable development
• The agency of platforms in complex adaptive systems
• How to map the interconnectivity of flows and platforms that shape human experiences

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course participants will be able to…

• Analyze contexts, circumstances and experiences from the point-of-view of complex adaptive systems
• Analyze the role of platforms in shaping flows and circumstances
• Frame opportunities for impacting local lives and wellbeing of communities

Format & Grading

Glossary 20%
Group Assignment 20%
Final Individual Assignment 40%
Class Participation 20%

Enrollment Constraints

No prerequisites. This course is open to all Institute of Design students.