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Design Thinking vs Systems Thinking

We live in a world of complexity and uncertainty. Organizations face increasingly difficult challenges to solve, where problems do not have linear and predictable answers.

In this context, traditional approaches to problem-solving are insufficient, and we need more flexible and integrative approaches. Two popular approaches that seek to address this need are Systems Thinking and Design Thinking.

Systems Thinking is a way of understanding and addressing problems as complex systems. Instead of analyzing the parts separately, this approach seeks to understand the relationships and interactions among the parts of a system.

Systems Thinking recognizes that actions taken in one part of the system can have unexpected effects in other parts, and that problems must be addressed holistically, taking into account the context in which they arise.

This approach implies a mindset shift, where problems are no longer seen in a fragmented way but rather from a global perspective. Instead of seeking quick and palliative solutions, Systems Thinking aims to understand the root causes of problems and develop sustainable and enduring solutions.

Through this approach, organizations can improve their ability to adapt to unforeseen changes and make informed decisions.

On the other hand, Design Thinking is a people-centered methodology for problem-solving. Design Thinking fosters empathy with the needs of users and clients and uses an iterative approach to create innovative solutions. This approach involves a five-stage process: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test.

By employing Design Thinking, organizations are able to understand the real needs of their users and co-create solutions that align with their needs. The iterative approach allows for rapid iteration and improvement of solutions, thus avoiding the waste of resources on ideas that are not viable.

Design Thinking also promotes multidisciplinary collaboration, enabling the utilization of diverse perspectives and skills to tackle complex challenges.

Although both Systems Thinking and Design Thinking offer valuable approaches to solving complex problems, it is important to recognize their differences and complementarities.

While Systems Thinking emphasizes the relationships and interactions within a system, Design Thinking emphasizes the needs and experiences of users.

Design Thinking alone can become a reductionist tool, through which solving the user’s problem may give rise to unexpected consequences elsewhere.

One way to integrate these two approaches is to employ Systems Thinking as a framework to understand the complexity of the problem and identify the relevant relationships and interactions, applying Design Thinking as a methodology to implement holistic solutions.

If you want to learn more about how to apply these methodologies to your project, don’t hesitate to get in touch!