How can you create systemic solutions with other disciplines?

1 Define the problem

The first step to create systemic solutions is to define the problem you want to solve, and understand its context and boundaries. You can use tools such as problem trees, stakeholder maps, and systems maps to identify the causes, effects, and relationships of the problem, and to map out the actors and factors that influence it. By defining the problem clearly, you can avoid oversimplifying or misinterpreting it, and focus on the most relevant aspects.

2 Engage with stakeholders

The next step is to engage with the stakeholders who are affected by or involved in the problem, and to learn from their perspectives, needs, and values. You can use methods such as interviews, surveys, workshops, and co-design sessions to collect data, insights, and feedback from the stakeholders, and to involve them in the design process. By engaging with stakeholders, you can build trust, empathy, and collaboration, and ensure that your solutions are relevant, inclusive, and acceptable.

3 Explore alternatives

The third step is to explore alternative solutions that can address the problem and its systemic effects, and that can leverage the opportunities and resources of the context. You can use tools such as brainstorming, scenarios, prototyping, and testing to generate, evaluate, and refine your ideas, and to experiment with different options and assumptions. By exploring alternatives, you can foster creativity, innovation, and learning, and avoid jumping to conclusions or sticking to one solution.

4 Align with goals

The fourth step is to align your solutions with the goals and criteria of sustainable design, and to ensure that they are feasible, viable, and desirable. You can use tools such as sustainability frameworks, impact assessments, and business models to measure and communicate the environmental, social, and economic benefits and costs of your solutions, and to identify the risks and challenges that might affect their implementation. By aligning with goals, you can demonstrate the value and impact of your solutions, and justify your decisions and recommendations.

5 Collaborate with others

The fifth step is to collaborate with other disciplines and experts who can complement your skills and knowledge, and who can contribute to the design and delivery of your solutions. You can use methods such as multidisciplinary teams, networks, and partnerships to share information, resources, and responsibilities, and to coordinate actions and outcomes. By collaborating with others, you can leverage the diversity, expertise, and influence of different actors, and create solutions that are more holistic, effective, and scalable.

6 Adapt to change

The final step is to adapt your solutions to the changing needs and conditions of the problem, the context, and the stakeholders. You can use tools such as feedback loops, monitoring, and evaluation to collect and analyze data and evidence on the performance and impact of your solutions, and to identify the gaps and opportunities for improvement. By adapting to change, you can ensure that your solutions are responsive, resilient, and sustainable, and that they can evolve and grow over time.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?