Emergence and Design
The designers of complex adaptive systems are not strictly designing systems themselves. They are hinting those systems towards anticipated outcomes, from an array of existing interrelated systems. These are designers that do not understand themselves to be in the center of the system. Rather, they understand themselves to be participants, shaping
... See moreKevin Slavin • Design as Participation
According to Patricia Patrizi and colleagues, the key to fostering emergence lies in recognizing and accepting that uncertainty exists, going beyond a reliance on overly simplistic indicators, and developing the flexibility to act, learn, fail, and do better. “Paramount to this is the realization that deep understanding of complex strategic work
... See moreDavid Ehrlichman • Impact Networks: Create Connection, Spark Collaboration, and Catalyze Systemic Change
The future can’t be predicted, but it can be envisioned and brought lovingly into being. Systems can’t be controlled, but they can be designed and redesigned. We can’t surge forward with certainty into a world of no surprises, but we can expect surprises and learn from them and even profit from them. We can’t impose our will on a system. We can
... See moreDonella H. Meadows • Thinking in Systems: International Bestseller
The path forward emerges through engagement with the world rather than abstract pre-planning. This mindset shift from control to participation, from certainty to possibility, opens up new ways of thinking and problem solving. It allows us to navigate complexity with greater resilience and adaptability, recognizing that our greatest breakthroughs
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