How to Develop Systematic Approach in Design

"You think you are living in America? Zoom out!" – Pete Holmes, Standup Comedian

When Pete Holmes delivered this line, he was talking about perspective—how the way we see things changes when we broaden our view. In design, this same idea holds true. Whether we are tackling a product, a service, or a system, zooming out reveals the bigger picture: the interconnected relationships, the long-term implications, and the strategies that will shape the future.

Many believe that to move from product design challenges to systematic design, the domain of the project needs to change. They assume that systematic design only applies to larger, more complex topics. But that’s not necessarily true. In many cases, the shift to systematic thinking doesn’t require changing the project itself—it requires zooming out. Even with what may seem like a limited or local project, simply expanding your view often reveals the broader system at play.

So, how do you transform your project into a more systematic and strategic view of the same topic? Here are a few steps:

1. Map the Surrounding Ecosystem

Start by identifying "things" that might be related to the topic of your project. This could include related objects, settings, people, processes, or even cultural elements. At this stage, it’s more important to include as many things as you can think of without worrying about how strongly connected or relevant they might seem. As you move through the following stages, you’ll identify which elements are truly important, and less relevant or unrelated items will be filtered out or pushed aside.

2. Look for Interdependencies

Once you have a broader view, look for the connections between different elements. Ask yourself: how does one object or setting affect another? What interdependencies exist between people, processes, and environments? This can help you understand how changes in one area might create ripple effects elsewhere, making your project’s design more holistic and adaptable.

3. Add Depth to the Network

One of the most important steps in developing a systematic view of your project is to add properties or characteristics to the connections and the nodes within your interconnected network. This could include determining the importance or weighting of each connection and item, categorising elements through taxonomies, or identifying the nature and direction of relationships. By assigning these attributes, you ensure that your network has depth, moving it from a simple two-dimensional map to a multi-dimensional view of a complex system. Understanding the type and weight of the relationships between elements will give you deeper insights into the system. This transformation into a multi-dimensional network provides valuable opportunities for more strategic problem-solving.

4. Navigate the Time Dimension

Systematic design requires navigating various dimensions, and one of the most critical is time. To design for the future, it’s important not only to project forward but also to look back in time. By reflecting on how past decisions, relationships, and trends have shaped the present system, you can anticipate future developments more effectively. This backward and forward navigation ensures that your systematic solution is not only adaptable to present challenges but also future-proof—ready to evolve as the system grows and changes over time.

5. Move Across Other Dimensions

Beyond time, systems exist in physical and metaphorical spaces that must also be navigated. Moving through the dimension of space means examining the system from all angles—across different environments, stakeholder groups, and physical or digital realms. By considering how the system operates in various spaces and how different elements interact across these contexts, you can ensure that your design is comprehensive. A solution designed with both temporal depth and spatial breadth will not only be adaptable to time but also responsive to the complexities of the spaces in which it operates.

Case Study: Khajeh Nazar Restoration Project

While I was working as the Deputy CEO of Aras Free Zone in arts and culture affairs, one of the projects I worked on with my good friend, Mehdi Abbasi was the restoration of a historical site called Khajeh Nazar caravanserai. Initially, the site itself was rather limited in space, and the project seemed straightforward—a simple restoration of a historical building that could potentially be used for occasional government events. However, by adopting a systematic approach, we began to consider the broader context. We brought in new elements such as the neighbouring Aras River, the nearby road, the overlooking hills, and the markets close by.

This expanded, systematic view transformed what could have been a limited restoration project into something much bigger—the development of a cultural hub. The historical site became the heart of this new centre, surrounded by a public park, villa accommodations, restaurants, shops, and other attractions. The systematic approach enabled us to create a dynamic and multidimensional space where history, culture, and community all intersected. What started as a building restoration project evolved into a vibrant cultural destination that now serves as a key attraction in the region.

Conclusion:

After following these steps, a seemingly simple design problem could transform into an interconnected, multidimensional space to navigate. Keep in mind that the goal of developing a systematic approach isn’t to create unnecessary complexity, but to illuminate issues, dependencies, and relationships that might otherwise be overlooked. By doing so, you ensure that your design is not only effective in the present but also adaptable for the future. It’s about providing clarity in the complexity, allowing you to address challenges with more insight and strategy than before.