What if you could elevate your design skills by incorporating systems thinking? We had the pleasure of discussing this fascinating approach with the brilliant Sheryl Cababa, author of "Closing the Loop." Sheryl shares her expertise in design, research, and strategy, providing valuable insights into her journey as a design leader. Whether you are a design, product, technology or business leader - don't miss this opportunity to learn from Sheryl's vast experience in applying systems thinking to various contexts.
In our conversation, we explore the role of designers as facilitators in systems thinking, drawing from Sheryl's work on projects like a grocery pickup system. We discuss the challenges designers often face in being part of decision-making processes earlier on and how they can challenge preconceptions about their relevance to these conversations. We also delve into how systems thinking shifts the focus from individual use to broader contexts and the importance of understanding the system before implementing any changes.
Lastly, we navigate the differences between cloud and clock problems in design, the challenges of applying an engineering mindset to cloud problems, and the potential barriers caused by incentivizing employees to maintain the status quo. Sheryl shares her insights on how external pressures can lead to internalized needs for certainty, and we explore the connection between what is being measured and the outcomes we desire.
Tune in and discover how systems thinking can be applied in the world of design and beyond.
You can get a copy of Sheryl's book 'Systems Thinking for Designers' at Rosenfeld Media with the Discount code: cababa-liminalleaders
https://rosenfeldmedia.com/books/systems-thinking-for-designers/
and get in touch with her on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherylcababa/
Twitter: @sherylcababa
(though she doesn't check Twitter too often)
Being Liminal
Is a podcast about the changing nature of Leadership in Business Transformation. Brian and Martin explore the mindset and skills currently missing in Business Leadership of Transformation that when present contribute to the 30% success rate of Large-Scale Business Transformation and Change.
The podcast explores Systems and Design Thinking as a necessary approach to leading through the Liminal State that is a Transformation programme. Each episode is either a research interview with a Guest Expert or a working discussion session between the hosts Martin Dowson and Brian Hoadley as they develop the content that will form their new book: Being Liminal. This podcast is your opportunity to eavesdrop on their research and writing process.
Podcast Website: www.beingliminal.com
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/being-liminal/id1690994247
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7aJYpbWWZ85SBt27pfUgDo?si=1ffd9afda4594020
Martin Dowson on LinkedIn
Brian Hoadley on LinkedIn
Sheryl Cababa - Beyond Individual Use: Expanding Design Horizons with Systems Thinking