Pacing Changes, Humbling Systemic Design -- at RSDx

Two research papers have been streamed in a session on October 9, 2025, starting at 7:30pm ET, titled as "Transdisciplinarity, Systems Theories - Session 5".  Moderated by Tim Thomson. 

(1) Pacing Changes, Appreciating Approaches to Systems and Designing -- David Ing

Designers engaging in initiatives aspiring towards “systems changes" may be challenged to define what that entails.  What distinguishes a "change" from "systems changes"?  Under stable conditions where minor fluctuations from an equilibrium are expected, systems typically absorb irregularities without altering their fundamental nature or identity.  In turbulent fields where disorder prevails, systems may be transformed as adaptations and developments unfold.

(Re-)designing can be grounded in paradigms drawn from Social Theory, and/or General Systems Theory.  Depending on context, certain systems approaches may prove more suitable than others.  Efforts to identify a universal “one best way” towards solving (or dissolving) problems (or problematic messes) are likely to lead to disappointment.  In the evolution of the systems movement since the 1950s, design thinking and transdisciplinary stances have gained prominence.  Contemporary mindsets increasingly embrace pluralistic perspectives, drawing from postmodern thought and non-Western philosophies.

Through a multiparadigm inquiry, well-established mainstream systems perspectives from the 20th century are reviewed.  Since 2019, the Systems Changes Learning Circle in Toronto has been rethinking systems thinking, shifting the focus from stability to navigating constant change.  Along that continuum, nine approaches to systems and designing are presented as a non-exhaustive list.  At the head of the list are system approaches emphasising (re)converging towards equilibria.  Towards the tail of the list are systems approaches where sequencing is more important.
To 2025, our research on systems changes has elevated the primacy of temporality and rhythms based on sound philosophical and theoretical foundations.  The pursuit of better metaphors continues, towards improving conceptual alignment on systems changes.  Further progressing Pacing Changes methods focuses on shortening the learning curve for novices, by developing templates and techniques that support contextual learning and guide progression towards mastery.

(2) Humbling Systemic Design: Learning when not to intervene in complex social systems -- Zaid Khan + Samah Kamalmaz

Just because we can, should we? Even when systemic design helps us understand and develop potential interventions in highly-complex situations, should we feel confident about their impact? As systemic designers, we tend to view our theories of change or leverage points through an interventionist lens. But, perhaps it’s time for systemic design to re-appreciate the value, and wisdom, of non-intervention. Maybe systemic designers can question whether or not it is the right time and place for action, and to recognise that deliberate non-action has strategic value. This presentation outlines how systemic design can take a more humble posture when dealing with complex social systems. The presentation argues that a posture shift, from hubristic to humble, is required when working in the complexity of organisation Design (3.0) and social systems Design (4.0). This is especially important as systemic design is operating in an era characterized by crises. A humble posture is one that (i) emphasises a learning-orientation of systemic design, (ii) values non-intervention, (iii) and tames the expectations and scale of impact. To exercise this posture shift, three questions are offered that reflect on (a) the framing of urgent vs. important, (b) the speed and scale of change, depending on the phase of a living system, and (c) the propensity of a situation and when to take advantage of it. Together these benefits and exercises offer an initial vocabulary through which systemic design education and methods can tame the bias-for-action and approach complex social systems with the humility required.

Explore these and other early access papers: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10mB5zjbpRwW_8uatNIzJfYSrUUF-2bpY?usp=drive_link

Session details for the two research papers is at https://events.zoom.us/ejl/AlyJFDY6qS5yIce65LF68CEGUVw8Qnuj89S4LEEvVsQnTBYw9XN0~A26eHt3lOXnYbBVj-dNZ70kbZcuhR2__c-bCnu0OcTWs1iuvyD-uYbBRJWazoGMVyAF-s1zw60OFM9bHIjh8-r9fr8NUKhAGlRhib-NGTErwC9dmeLnTeW--Xwjs_W2NevFjyTu-2IQysHf05cY1K6lR-IhHGBzLhFzy7yrbw-9k4cwVVLLy-MmKmw-BkCV2duSK8ywNzYK-5_YBb73pzB8Cd-eC-JlJ-yNLC9NCnpEh1-BQwsMnkAf2bmwoRp