SDA blog

The Complexity of Complexity and Relationality Unbounded

Tony Fry: Animate existence (including our own) is the consequence of relations within and between multiple intertwined ecologies.

Systems Leadership: Seeing the forest for the trees

Seanna Davidson: And so it becomes necessary to challenge the notion of leadership altogether and to make visible a relational, shared and dynamic leadership that more resembles a system than an individual role.

Living the Question: What RSD13 revealed about narrative weaving and relational reality

Sebastian Wolf Siebzehnrubl: When we approach systems as problems to solve, we create conditions for technical solutions. When we approach them as questions to live, we create conditions for relational transformation.

Anthology of Reflexive Contributors

The annual anthology of reflexive contributors features articles by RSD chairs, speakers, and other influential voices whose work is foundational or influential in systemic design.

How are systemic design’s tools shaping the reality of systemic problems?

Evan Barba: What does it mean to exist in relation to something, Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle, and systemic problems?

Do I need a visa to enter Canada?

Ensure you have the correct visa or travel authorisation for entry into Canada. Also, request a letter of invitation or official invoice.

Yes, You Can. A reflection from a new systemic designer

If you’re new to systemic design and wondering whether you can contribute to RSD14, the answer is simple: Yes, you can.

RSD14: Who we are

Meet the team. Every RSD is supported by a host university and dynamic group of systemic designers. Lesley-Ann Noel holds the Honorary Dean’s Chair, and Peter Hayward Jones and Greg Van Alstyne are the RSD14 Co-Chairs.

Why Arcs of Impact?

Given the importance of relations in systems, RSD14 seeks to explore relationality in complexity.

Pluriversal Arcs of Impact

Inspired by OCADU’s mandate to decolonide curriculum and embrace Indigenous learning outcomes, Lesley-Ann Noel embraces a pluriversal leadership style grounded in equitable power redistribution.

The RSD Movement | Moment

After 15 years of growth, RSD shows the energy and innovation of a movement. Photo: Inside a class at the Ontario College of Art, 1931.

Be Seen: ISSNs, ISBNs, DOIs, and CITES

Progress with indexing, DOIs, ISSNs, and strategies for increasing visibility and accessibility of contributions.

Case for Support: Sponsoring RSD14

Partner in the spirit of shared value, aligning your organisational objectives with systemic design principles of positive human and non-human outcomes, inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration, and flourishing as living with care and attention to the complexity of our natural world.

Annual Mike Jackson Lecture with John Seddon: Systems Thinking, Regulation and Public-sector Productivity

The annual Mike Jackson Lecture will take place on April 10, 2025 with a presentation from John Seddon on rethinking regulation.

Design Forge Invitation

Announcing the Design Forge (online) Book Club Series and Design Forge 2025 (March 25–28).

Editorial: Contexts of Design Research, Clarifying Complexity

Peter Jones (Contexts—The Systemic Design Journal)

RSD13-RSDX Focus Areas

Each RSDX day followed a current created by community-led contributions: emergence of systemic design, cybernetics & #NewMacy, practice, methods & flourishing, and systems thinking

10-14/15/19/21 ONLINE WORKSHOPS

RSD13-ONLINE workshop schedule

10-16/17/18 PAPERS & TALKS

RSD13 peer-reviewed research papers and reports

What to Expect at RSD13-RSDX: Navigating the online symposium experience

Notes on the online experience

A Fond Farewell and Gratitude

Silvia Barbero reflects on her tenure as SDA’s first Chair, celebrating milestones such as RSD symposiums, the Contexts journal, and updated statutes. As Founding Chair, she remains dedicated to supporting SDA’s flourishing future.

Designing Resilient Regenerative Systems

The ETH Zürich Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Designing Resilient Regenerative Systems, the introduction of a Certificate in Advanced Studies in Systemic Design, and its inclusion in the ETH MAS represents a milestone for systemic design.