Chhavi Jatwani, Matteo Vignoli, and Sara Roversi
Complex planetary-scale challenges require tools and approaches that help break down the problem and allow change makers to identify their role and agency in contributing to solving it at their scale. This work aims to help change makers analyze a complex planetary problem, identify its root causes, and frame a focused and specific challenge statement. Through this, the complex problem becomes much more actionable and contextual.
This workshop explores a combination of two fundamental tools from two different approaches – systems thinking and design – to identify an intervention space that keeps human needs and planetary boundaries in mind. The results show that merging the analytical approach of systems thinking and the bias toward the action approach of design thinking are the right ingredients to escape inaction and passivity towards our world’s biggest challenges today.
After this workshop, changemakers often feel energized and motivated by the reduced scope of the chosen complex problem. It has also shown a change in mindset to how they approach business innovation challenges. They are now more likely to consider planetary boundaries while innovating.
Keywords: iceberg model, design thinking, systems thinking, food systems, sustainability, planetary boundaries, doughnut economics
