Course detail

Systems thinking and design 2

FaVU-1SMaD2Acad. year: 2023/2024

In the second part of the course on systems thinking and design, we will move from learning about systems thinking and critiquing the doctrine of economic growth to visions and examples of good/desirable practice. We will also look for these in our immediate surroundings, using examples from the city of Brno. We will go together to the field to observe the concrete manifestations and circumstances of complex problems. We will also take a field trip to an organization that applies systems thinking in its operations.

 

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

2

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. MgA. Mikuláš Macháček

Department

Department of Design (KDE)

Entry knowledge

Completion of Systems Thinking and Design 1.

 

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

The following conditions are set for the award of credit/examination:
- Compulsory attendance – 75% attendance (attendance at a minimum of 4 blocks out of 6)
- Seminar paper - topic for an essay or position paper of 10K characters will be specified in individual tutorials from the circuits:
- Reflection on a specific problem from the perspective of systems thinking
- Reflection of own practice from the point of view of systems thinking
- Analysis of the potential benefits and unintended consequences of any of the policy proposals discussed during the course. 


The course is taught in blocks (2 hours lecture, 2 hours seminar). Minimum attendance is 75%.

 

Aims

The course aims to introduce learners to examples of the application of systems thinking.

 

Upon completion of the course, students should be familiar with methods, case studies and policies that seek to apply systems thinking and should be able to subject these to critical reflection.

 

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Basic literature

Laloux, Frederic. Budoucnost organizací. Nakladatelství PEOPLECOMM, 2016. (CS)

Recommended reading

Autonomy. „A Future Fit For Wales The roadmap to a shorter working week". Accessed 27. Apr. 2022. https://autonomy.work/portfolio/a-future-fit-for-wales-a-sww-for-all/. (EN)
Fry, Tony. „Design after design". Design Philosophy Papers 15, č. 2 (3. červenec 2017): 99–102. https://doi.org/10.1080/14487136.2017.1392093. (EN)
Irwin, Terry. “Transition Design: A Proposal for a New Area of Design Practice, Study, and Research.” Design and Culture, vol. 7, no. 2, 3 Apr. 2015, pp. 229–246, 10.1080/17547075.2015.1051829. (EN)
Meadows, Donella. Thinking in Systems. Chelsea Green Publishing, 2008. (EN)
Stroh, David Peter, and Michael Goodman. “A Systemic Approach to Ending Homelessness.” Applied Systems Thinking Journal, vol. Topical Issue, 2007, www.appliedsystemsthinking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/TopicalHomelessness.pdf (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme DES_M Master's, 1. year of study, summer semester, compulsory
  • Programme VUM_M Master's, 1. year of study, summer semester, elective

  • Programme VUM Master's

    branch VU-D , 1. year of study, summer semester, compulsory
    branch VU-D , 1. year of study, summer semester, compulsory
    branch VU-D , 1. year of study, summer semester, compulsory
    branch VU-VT , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 1. year of study, summer semester, compulsory

  • Programme VUM_M Master's, 2. year of study, summer semester, elective

  • Programme VUM Master's

    branch VU-VT , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

4 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. MgA. Mikuláš Macháček

Syllabus

1. Applying systems thinking to design education. The concept of transitive design.

2. Policy design and redesign. Shortening the working week, universal basic income (UBI), case study of the city of Amsterdam.

3. 'Decent companies' and turquoise organisations. Excursions.

4. A case study from the city of Brno. Field trip I.

5. A case study from the city of Brno. Field trip II.

6. Conclusion - system-oriented designers. Consultation of final seminar papers and evaluation of the benefits of the course for the students.

 

Seminar

12 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Mgr. et MgA. Kristína Jamrichová, Ph.D.
Mgr. Jakub Mácha
Mgr. Roman Novotný

Field trip

8 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. MgA. Mikuláš Macháček