The difference between systems thinking and design thinking

Systems thinking and design thinking are two distinct methodologies often used in problem-solving, innovation, and addressing complex issues.

While they share some similarities in that both are holistic and non-linear ways of looking at problems, they have different focuses and approaches.

• Holistic view: Systems thinking is an analytical approach that focuses on understanding the complex interrelationships within systems. It looks at the whole system, including its various parts and how they interact with each other.
• Interconnectedness and feedback: It emphasises the importance of feedback loops, delays, and non-linear relationships within a system. The goal is to understand how changes in one part of the system affect the whole.
• Root causes: This approach seeks to identify and address the underlying problems that cause patterns of behaviour rather than reacting to individual events.
• Dynamic complexity: Systems thinking is often applied in situations characterised by dynamic complexity, where the same action can have dramatically different effects in the short run and the long run.
• Patterns and trends: Systems thinkers look for patterns and trends to make better decisions and create more effective interventions within a system.

• Human-centric: Design thinking is a creative approach that focuses on understanding the needs and experiences of people. It is often used to solve complex problems by designing products, services, or experiences from the user’s perspective.
• Prototyping and iteration: It involves a cycle of ideation, prototyping, testing, and refining based on user feedback. This iterative process helps in developing solutions that are desirable, feasible, and viable.
• Empathy: An essential element of design thinking is empathy, which involves understanding the emotional experience of the user to tailor solutions specifically to their needs.
• Problem framing: Design thinking encourages re-framing the problem in human-centric ways, generating many ideas, and exploring a wide solution space before converging on a final solution.
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration: It often involves multidisciplinary teams to bring in diverse perspectives and foster creativity in solving problems.

• Process: Systems thinking involves understanding and modelling the system, often using causal loop diagrams, while design thinking uses tools like personas, journey maps, and rapid prototyping.
• Focus: Systems thinking is more focused on the systemic issues and interdependencies within the system, while design thinking is focused on the human experience and meeting user needs.
• Outcome: The outcome of systems thinking is often a deep understanding of the system that can lead to strategic interventions, whereas design thinking aims to produce innovative, user-centred solutions.
• Application: Systems thinking can be applied at any scale, from ecosystems to organisations, while design thinking is often used for specific products, services, or experiences.

The two approaches can complement each other.

Systems thinking can provide insights into the broader system in which a design thinking initiative takes place, ensuring that solutions fit into larger ecological, economic, and social systems.

Conversely, design thinking can provide a human-centred lens that ensures systems thinking approaches meet the needs of the stakeholders involved.