Introduction to Systemic Design
Learn to see the system, not just the problem
Complex challenges rarely live in one place; they span teams, touchpoints, and invisible connections.
This session is a hands-on introduction to systemic design: an approach that combines systems thinking and design to help us better understand and work within complexity.
In this interactive, learning-by-doing session, you’ll explore how systems thinking and design come together to tackle complex organizational challenges. Instead of jumping straight to solutions, we’ll step back to see the bigger picture - uncovering relationships, identifying patterns, and finding leverage points where thoughtful design can create meaningful impact.
You’ll work through a practical case, collaborate with others, and leave with new ways of thinking about problems that don’t have simple answers.
What you’ll learn
Core principles of systemic design (interconnectedness, leverage points, human-centered thinking)
How to map systems and uncover underlying dynamics
How to identify patterns and opportunities for intervention
How to move from complexity → clarity → action
Who this is for
Designers who are tired of surface-level problem solving
People who jump to solutions (you know who you are)
Anyone curious about how ideas actually come together
Professionals who want to nerd out, experiment, and learn by doing
Format
This is a hands-on workshop, not a lecture. Come ready to participate, think visually, and collaborate with others.
We’ll have pizza and pop — come hungry :)
Agenda
5:30 – 6:00 pm | Arrival + settle in
6:00 – 7:30 pm | Workshop session
7:30 pm onwards | Stay back and connect
Location
Career Centre Lounge (Room 287), Rotman School of Management
105 St. George Street, Toronto
In collaboration with Rotman’s Business Design Initiative (BDI)
Led by Emma Aiken-Klar, with Service Design Drinks Toronto (Shivika Sood), this session explores systemic design in a hands-on, practical way.
Service Design Drinks Toronto is a community of practice - a space to learn, experiment, and connect through service design in an open, accessible way.