How can you teach design students to work with complex systems?

Design is a discipline that takes reference from various fields and disciplines such as literature, art, philosophy, ergonomy, psychology, etc. Teaching design is a multidimensional practice... Design is problem-solving. Therefore, understanding of different dimensions of the problem and crafting a solution requires the ability of critical thinking. To teach students how to deal with complex systems, the first and foremost step is to teach them how to critically think.

Complex systems are systems that are made up of multiple interconnected and interdependent elements or components that interact with each other in non-linear ways. These systems often exhibit emergent properties, meaning that the system as a whole displays behaviors or characteristics that cannot be predicted or understood by looking at the individual components alone. Examples of complex systems include ecosystems, the human brain, economies, and social networks. These systems are often dynamic and adaptive, with the ability to self-organize and evolve over time.

Hace años, un equipo de diseñadores trabajó en el desarrollo de un nuevo automóvil eléctrico. Cada miembro se enfocó en optimizar su área específica. Durante los testeos, vieron que, a pesar de que el rendimiento del motor eléctrico era excepcional, el tiempo de carga de la batería era más largo de lo esperado. Desconcertados, decidieron aplicar un enfoque de sistemas complejos para entender el problema. Descubrieron que la velocidad de carga estaba afectada por la Tº del ambiente y el uso simultáneo de ciertos sistemas internos. Al considerar la interconexión de estos elementos y su impacto en el rendimiento general, ajustaron el sistema de gestión térmica y realizaron mejoras en la eficiencia del sistema eléctrico durante la carga.

La interdependencia de diferentes componentes en un sistema puede tener un impacto significativo en el resultado final y cómo abordar el diseño desde una perspectiva de sistemas complejos puede conducir a soluciones más efectivas.

Complex systems are important for design education because they provide students with the opportunity to understand and work with interconnected and interdependent elements. By studying complex systems, students can develop a deeper understanding of how different components interact and influence each other within a design. This can help them to create more holistic and effective solutions that take into account the various factors at play. Additionally, working with complex systems can help students develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability, which are all essential for success in the field of design.

Introducing complex systems to design students involves breaking down the components of the system and explaining how they interact with each other to create a whole. This can be done through visual diagrams, case studies, and hands-on activities that demonstrate the interconnectedness of the system. It is important to emphasize the importance of considering all parts of the system when designing solutions, as well as the potential impacts of changes on other parts of the system. Additionally, encouraging students to think critically about the relationships within the system and how they can be optimized for better outcomes is key to helping them understand and work with complex systems in their design projects.

Teaching design students to think systemically involves guiding them to consider the interconnected interdependencies within a system. This includes understanding how different elements within a system interact and influence each other, as well as recognizing the broader context in which the system operates. To teach this concept, educators can demonstrate systems thinking in action, prompt students to analyze complex issues systemically, and include activities and assignments that prompt students to consider the holistic view of a design challenge. By nurturing a systemic mindset, design students can enhance their capacity to recognize patterns, predict outcomes, and devise more efficient and enduring solutions.

Fomentar el pensamiento sistémico en los alumnos de diseño puede enriquecer su enfoque hacia problemas complejos y mejorar la calidad de sus soluciones. Aquí van algunas estrategias que se podrían considerar: Desarrollo de Proyectos Integradores: Diseño de Mapas de Sistemas: Estudio de Casos: Simulaciones y Juegos de Rol: Colaboración Interdisciplinaria: Reflexión y Metacognición:

Teaching design students to design for complex systems involves helping them understand the interconnected relationships and interactions within a system, as well as the impact their design decisions can have on the system as a whole. This may include teaching them to consider various stakeholders, feedback loops, dependencies, and constraints within the system, as well as how to approach problem-solving in a holistic and systematic way. It also involves teaching them to use tools and methods such as systems thinking, user research, prototyping, and testing to effectively design for complex systems.

Teaching design students to learn from complex systems involves helping them understand and analyze the interconnected relationships and components within a system. This can be done by introducing them to various design methodologies, systems thinking approaches, and tools that can help them break down and understand complex systems. Encouraging students to observe, analyze, and experiment with different aspects of a system can also help them gain a deeper understanding of how it operates and how their design decisions can impact the system as a whole. Additionally, providing real-world examples and case studies can help students see the practical applications of learning from complex systems in their design work.

Did you also repeatedly encounter the phrase 'change is the only constant' (credited to Heraclitus, an ancient Greek philosopher)? This philosophy should especially be the cornerstone of design students' learning; the world, now enabled by modern technology, is always changing and we must be agile in adapting to the change. Many methods, technologies, and tools that were once crucial to run the systems are now almost obsolete.

It's also important to understand that you can never see the complete picture of a complex system, that's why it's complex. It is always evolving, and so the ability to forecast the metamorphosis or at least the trajectory of the change and prepare to design for it is a non-negotiable necessity.