Systems Thinking | Advanced Practitioner Course

Discover how to apply the principles of Systems Thinking to your own area of expertise. It will enable you to better understand the context, opportunities, and implications of whatever you’re working on, and ultimately drive more impactful innovation and change. With personal coaching and feedback throughout, you’ll build your Systems Thinking knowledge and skills.

You’ll learn:

• How to explore complexity at different levels to understand the bigger picture, along with its underlying dynamics.
• How to work collaboratively to identify places to intervene and make improvements.
• What behaviours are common in complex systems and what patterns to look out for.
• Which mindsets and techniques work best in approaching systems work.
• How to use online platforms, such as Mural and Kumu, to support collaborative working across distributed teams.

 

Want to find out more about the course? Fill in the form below and we’ll get in touch:

• Day 1: Visualising systems to uncover the big picture

  Learn how to visualise systems by bringing together diverse perspectives and making sense of complexity.

  Frame new projects holistically and make sure that you can see the bigger picture, before you embark on new innovations or implementing changes.

• Day 2: Exploring and selecting options for systemic change

  Explore relationships and dynamics to better understand how complex systems work.

  Assess the consequences of different approaches to systemic change and learn how to make more informed decisions.

• Day 3: Taking targeted action for impact

  Identify how and where to act in systems to make improvements, reduce risks and anticipate consequences.

  Learn how to develop new projects, products, services, and initiatives with a clearer idea of their potential impact.

Q. Why Systems Thinking now?

A.

You may have come across terms like VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity), which seek to describe the current complexity in business.

In reality, we have always lived and worked within complex systems. And the tools for understanding and dealing with those systems are nothing new.

But right now, there is a real sense of urgency around how we might make impactful, meaningful change.

That’s why we’ve seen a dramatic growth in the application of systems thinking, as it can help make such change happen.

If we use it wisely, along with other approaches in the designers’ toolbox, we have the potential to be more effective and successful in how we tackle complex challenges.

Q. How will the online course be taught?

A.

Unlike many online courses out there, which are just self-paced tutorials, this is a live event.

It means our leading coaches will teach you directly, in real time, and, as a result of being able to interact with others, you’ll each have a unique experience on the course.

Q. How will I do the course online? What equipment do I need?

A.

Equipment: The only equipment you’ll need is a modern computer with a good connection to the internet (ideally through the Chrome browser), a microphone, a webcam and speakers or headphones.

Tools: Access is easy as we use industry standard web-based tools. We use Zoom for voice calls, with exercises taking place in Mural and Google Docs. 

Q. How long will the course take?

A.

Time Commitment: 7.5 hours of live sessions with our coaches, spread over 3 bite-sized sessions of 2.5 hours.

After the first session, there will be self-directed project work, which can be completed within an hour.  

 

Q. English isn’t my first language. Does that matter?

A.

People from all over the world will be taking part – in fact, this cultural mix is one of the real strengths of our courses! However, it is important to have good basic level of spoken English to get the most out of the experience.

Q. Do you offer concession prices for your sessions?

A.

We do offer concessions and a sliding scale of discounts on this course. Pay full price for the first space you book, 10% off the second and third, and 15% off every space you book after that. If you’re booking a lot of spaces, you may want to talk to us about tailoring a course especially for your business. Call us on +44 (0)7552 730 231 or email john@designthinkersacademy.co.uk to find out how we can help you.