Human-Centered Systems Thinking

A holistic approach to problem solving starts with people
New course launching April 14th, 2022


People are at the heart of every complex human system--but they’re often the most overlooked. Effective problem solvers today know how to visualize the larger dynamics of the system while staying grounded in the needs of people. In this course, you’ll learn to combine the analytical tools of systems thinking with the creative mindsets of human-centered design to make sense of complex systems challenges. Explore mapping tools to identify the right places to focus, surface insights about your stakeholders, and pick the most impactful solutions to experiment with so you can go beyond the obvious and design lasting solutions.

Course Outcomes
  • Gain techniques for mapping complex systems and identifying the root causes of a problem.
  • Establish a shared view of the system and reframe problems from different perspectives to uncover new solutions.
  • Find the right problems to solve and pick the best solutions to experiment with.
  • Deepen your understanding of your organizational systems by taking an iterative approach to testing solutions and gaining insights.
Course Themes
Decision Making Collaboration Systems Thinking
Format Online Cohort Course
Start Date
Quantity
Duration 5 Weeks
Time 4 Hours/Week
Price
$599
$599
Download Syllabus Download Syllabus
Download Syllabus

What You'll Learn

Introduction

Gain an overview of the mindsets and methods of human-centered systems thinking to tackle complex organizational challenges.

Lesson 1: Visualize the System

Explore a variety of mapping tools to make sense of complex situations, uncover the root causes of problems, and create a shared view of the system.

Lesson 2: Humanize the System

Discover creative techniques to surface insights about stakeholders, reframe problems from different perspectives, and spot opportunities for design.

Lesson 3: Redesign the System

Get practical tips for how to pick the most impactful ideas, experiment with the levers of design, and prototype and test solutions with real people in the system.

Conclusion

Human-centered systems thinking is a cyclical, iterative process. Learn about the importance of creating learning loops to gather feedback and identify early signs of progress.

Meet Your Instructors

Deirdre Cerminaro

Senior Director, IDEO

Deirdre sees the world through systems. With a background in cognitive science, architecture, and business, she’s passionate about bringing a human-centered lens to intractable systemic challenges, especially in education. She co-leads IDEO’s Systems & Strategy practice and holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management.

More About Deirdre
More From Deirdre Cerminaro

Deirdre Cerminaro

Senior Director, IDEO

Deirdre sees the world through systems. With a background in cognitive science, architecture, and business, she’s passionate about bringing a human-centered lens to intractable systemic challenges, especially in education. She co-leads IDEO’s Systems & Strategy practice and holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management.

Collaborate with a Global Community

Work with Expert Coaches

Our teaching team has extensive applied industry knowledge. They'll help deepen your understanding and application of the course content by facilitating written discussions, live video moments, and assignment feedback.

Expand Your Network

Join virtual live discussion groups for deeper conversation, reflection, and connection led by teaching team members and available multiple times a week across time zones.

Receive Feedback

Gain tips, techniques, and a downloadable feedback guide; and share and receive feedback on assignments from peers.

Learn more about the IDEO U Learning Experience

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Enroll As a Team

The practice and application of design thinking, innovation, and creativity is highly collaborative and team based—which is why we believe that learning is better together. Take a course as a team and develop new skills and mindsets, have deeper discussion during course kickoff and debrief sessions, and build a shared understanding.

How to Enroll as a Team