Realworld
R081 - Systemic Design, with Stephanie Speranza
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Designing is a profoundly human action, an act born from the desire to understand, to intervene, to change. But for too long, we have designed from the surface, interfaces, products, services, as if they could be separated from the systems where they live, as if they were not part of an interconnected network of relationships, powers, stories, and consequences.
Today we know that the great challenges of our time cannot be solved from fragmentation. Climate crises, inequality, mental health, social polarization, are systemic, complex, interdependent challenges, and they need minds that think from that complexity. Perspectives capable of seeing the flows, the structures, the tensions. Designers who do not seek only form, but connections, who do not seek only solutions, but better questions.
We talk about systemic design with Stephanie Speranza, Digital Strategy and Service Designer.
What is the real world for you?
For me, the real world is about the common sense we share as human beings within a social system. If we think about reality, it is something that varies depending on the person who perceives it. For example, if we are here, sitting in this recording space, we probably share a common vision of what reality is, since we live in the same city, speak the same language, and are present in the same space. But if a person from Tokyo came to this place for the first time, their reality would be different from ours. If that person came from 1950, the reality would be even more different, and if they came from 2075, their vision of reality would be completely different from ours. For me, the real world, within systemic design, refers to the different perceptions of reality that individuals have, influenced by their social and temporal context, and how those perceptions interrelate within a system.
What is systemic design?
For me, systemic design is a way of thinking that seeks to understand how things are interconnected within a system. It is about going beyond the superficial, seeing the relationships between actors, resources, flows, and the underlying structures that affect a system. It is not just about solving isolated problems, but about understanding the dynamics of everything involved and how those interdependent relationships generate large-scale effects. Systemic design invites us to look at the big picture, not just the individual elements, and to think about how the decisions we make today will impact the future.
Design not only seeks an aesthetic solution but also to understand the flows, structures, and tensions that arise in systems.
Thinking systemically
It is important because if we only think linearly, we are missing all the complexity that presents itself in systems. In the problems we face today, such as the climate crisis, inequality, and mental health, there are no simple solutions. These are systemic problems involving multiple factors and actors. If we design from a simplified perspective, the solutions we propose probably won't work in the long term or, worse yet, will generate unexpected side effects. Systemic thinking helps us address these challenges with a deeper understanding of how the parts affect each other, allowing us to generate more effective and sustainable solutions.
Reality depends on each person's perspective and context. We are interested in that plurality of realities because it helps us understand the complexity of the systems we are embedded in.
How has your way of working changed over the years?
My way of working has changed quite a bit, especially when I shifted from a more traditional design perspective to a more systemic one. At first, like many designers, I focused on tangible outcomes: interfaces, products, services. But as I progressed, I began to realize that those outcomes were just a small part of the whole. Now, my focus is on understanding how all the elements fit within a system, how users interact with that system, and how the decisions we make affect the entire environment. This vision has allowed me to be more aware of the complexity and interdependence in everything I do.
Ethnography in systemic design
Ethnography is key in systemic design because it helps us understand human behavior within its natural context. It is not just about observing what people do, but about understanding the underlying reasons for their actions, their emotions, and their motivations. This approach allows us to map not only visible interactions but also the dynamics that occur behind those interactions.
In systemic design, we need to capture all the complexities of human relationships, and ethnography provides us with the necessary tools for that. By doing so, we can create solutions that not only solve an immediate problem but also take into account the broader picture of how people and systems interact.
When we think about systems, we understand that problems are more complex and that there is not always a single solution. We focus on the actors, the relationships, and how the different components interact within a system.
"Navigating uncertainty"
For me, navigating uncertainty means embracing complexity instead of trying to reduce it to something simpler. We live in a world full of unpredictable variables, and as designers, we do not always have all the answers from the start. Instead of seeking perfect and definitive solutions, we must be able to adapt and adjust as we learn more about the system we are working in. This approach allows us to make informed decisions without falling into the trap of seeking absolute certainties.
Uncertainty is not something to avoid, but an opportunity to explore and learn, to discover new perspectives that we would not have considered otherwise.
Managing complexity does not mean solving everything, but identifying what really needs our attention at that moment.
What does "mapping the invisible" mean?
"Mapping the invisible" is one of the most powerful concepts of systemic design. It is about identifying and visualizing the aspects of the system that are usually hidden at first glance. Many times, when we design, we focus on what is obvious, on what we can see and measure easily. But systems are full of intangible factors that affect the overall functioning, such as relationships between people, power dynamics, or underlying tensions.
By mapping the invisible, we can start to see the connections that really matter and better understand how the different elements of the system interact with each other. This allows us to create more comprehensive and effective solutions.
Skills in changing systems
The most crucial skills in an environment of uncertainty are soft and strategic skills. For me, this includes the ability to ask questions, rather than simply seeking to impose answers. The ability to engage in what is called "pollination," that is, learning and dialoguing with many disciplines, is also important. Additionally, the T-shaped person capability, which involves incorporating multiple thoughts and approaches instead of focusing on just one, is key. Empathy is fundamental, and although I don't know if I would consider it a skill or a superpower, it is essential because it allows us to connect with people and understand their perspectives. Creativity is also important, as it helps us find innovative solutions.
We cannot apply simple solutions to complex problems like mental health or the environmental crisis. We need an approach that takes into account the actors and interconnected relationships.
What types of problems do you think urgently need a systemic perspective?
The problems that most need a systemic perspective are those involving multiple actors and factors, such as mental health issues, climate change, poverty, and social inequalities. These problems cannot be solved by simple or isolated solutions because they are deeply interconnected with other systems.
I also believe that companies, when facing challenges such as technological disruption, globalization, and sustainability, need to adopt a systemic approach to fully understand the implications of their decisions and to act more responsibly and effectively.
How does a designer's work change when they stop thinking about outputs and start thinking about relationships, flows, and ecosystems?
This change implies a fundamental shift in how we view the work of design. Instead of focusing only on tangible outcomes, like a product interface, we start thinking about how the parts of the system connect, how information flows, how users, business, and technology interact.
In my experience, this approach has led me to incorporate more perspectives, not only from designers but also from other team members, such as engineers, technicians, or even the users themselves. By doing so, design becomes a much more collaborative and holistic process, taking into account all the factors that influence the experience and the system as a whole.
How to measure the impact of systemic design?
Measuring the impact of systemic design is difficult because it is not just about evaluating a specific outcome, but about understanding how relationships, processes, and interactions within the system have changed over time. There is no single metric that can capture the entire impact of systemic design, but tools like data analysis, user feedback, and business metrics can be used to track progress.
It is important to understand that any measure we take will only be a selection of what we are observing, as systems are so complex that there will always be aspects we cannot measure directly.
How do you manage differences in vision among the various actors within a system?
When there are differences in vision among the actors within a system, it is essential to create a space for dialogue and understanding. As a facilitator, my job is to ensure that all voices are heard and that all perspectives are considered. This may involve mediating conflicts, finding common ground, and negotiating solutions that benefit all involved. Sometimes, this involves compromises, but the important thing is to ensure that all parties understand how their decisions affect the system as a whole. Additionally, when parties have opposing views, it is crucial to prioritize what really matters for the system and make informed decisions based on a deep understanding of the context.
Resources to learn about systemic design
One of the resources I like the most is the Systemic Design Framework, which has a very clear and accessible name. This resource offers free online tools, such as templates and processes, which are an excellent source of inspiration. I use these mapping tools a lot to guide us in our work.
Another resource I recommend is Board of Innovation. Although it focuses more on innovation, it has a much broader perspective than what I have seen in other business frameworks or tools like the Innovation Horizons. I find that Board of Innovation has some of the best tools for facilitating sessions and for thinking systemically as a team. Both resources are very useful for fostering a systemic vision and for applying tools in the day-to-day of design.