Summary
Many of today’s processes and methods for design thinking and UX design feel limited in a world where we use these approaches to solve complex problems. Systems thinking is a mindset and approach that helps designers and researchers broaden their lens and empowers them to increase their impact. Join us for this session with Sheryl Cababa, the author of Closing the Loop.
Key Insights
-
•
Systems thinking is essential for understanding complex global issues and their interconnections.
-
•
The book 'Closing the Loop' aims to integrate ethical considerations into design practices.
-
•
User-centered design can overlook systemic forces and potential harm.
-
•
Causal loop mapping and other visualization methods are effective tools for engaging in systems thinking.
-
•
Diverse stakeholder involvement enhances the understanding of systems and the impacts of design decisions.
-
•
Anticipating unintended consequences is crucial in design to avoid perpetuating existing issues.
-
•
There's a need to expand design thinking beyond individual user experience to community and systemic impacts.
-
•
Awareness of the interconnectedness of systems can lead to more holistic design outcomes.
-
•
Engaging with academic researchers can enhance the depth of understanding in design projects.
-
•
Reflecting on historical contexts and broader societal forces is vital for effective design.
Notable Quotes
"It's not just systems thinking, but systems thinking to really deliver a better future for us all as humans and for the planet."
"This problem space is a really good example of where systems thinking can be applied."
"Designing for delight does not necessarily lead to the best societal outcomes."
"The user-centered design process does not acknowledge nor address potential harm."
"Today's problems come from yesterday's solutions."
"Temporary measures have a nasty habit of lasting."
"Understanding incentives is crucial for recognizing perverse incentives."
"We should be asking ourselves how can we anticipate potential misuse in the future?"
"Awareness is the first step."
"It's not about anticipating everything, but understanding the potential harms."
More Videos
"Design is a poorly designed word."
John MaedaMaking Sense of Enterprise UX
June 9, 2016
"We’re talking about different front ends that vary and respect people's different approaches."
Indi YoungThinking styles: Mend hidden cracks in your market
January 8, 2025
"Rapid experimentation leads to insights, which in turn fuel innovation."
Chris ChapoData Science and Design: A Tale of Two Tribes
May 13, 2015
"We're mining our practices to track impact over time."
Elizabeth ChurchillExploring Cadence: You, Your Team, and Your Enterprise
June 8, 2017
"We have to make sure that we are being mindful and inclusive."
Rusha SopariwalaRemote, Together: Craft and Collaboration Across Disciplines, Borders, Time Zones, and a Design Org of 170+
June 9, 2022
"Power is the ability to change another person's reality."
George AyeThat Quiet Little Voice: When Design and Ethics Collide
November 16, 2022
"Every once in a while, it's okay to turn your video off."
Ariba JahanTeam Resiliency Through a Pandemic
January 8, 2024
"Design thinking is a set of behaviors, not just a toolbox of methods."
Julie Gitlin Esther RaiceDesign as an Agent of Digital Transformation at JPMC
June 9, 2021
"The greater part of progress is the desire to progress again."
Matteo GrattonCan Data and Ethics Live Together?
October 1, 2021
