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

Entering the field of systemic design can feel daunting. I remember when my classmates and I first encountered the concept in our systems thinking course. The challenge was not just in grasping new concepts but in coming to terms with the sheer vastness of the idea of “systems” themselves. We see systems everywhere—so where do they begin and end? Is society a single system or a collection of many interwoven ones? Are we, as individuals, a system ourselves or merely a composition of smaller interacting systems? These questions can create a kind of cognitive dissonance, forcing us to hold two seemingly opposing truths at once: that a system can be both whole and fragmented, singular and plural. This interpretive nature of systems thinking is one of its greatest strengths—but also one of its biggest challenges. And when you’re new to the field, the prospect of standing in front of an audience to share your understanding of these complexities can feel overwhelming.

Despite the initial difficulty in grasping systems thinking, one thing has become increasingly clear: we need systemic design now more than ever. We live in an era of polycrisis, where global challenges—from climate change to economic instability to technological disruption—are deeply interconnected. Wicked problems cannot be solved from a single perspective—whether we realise it or not, we engage in systemic design when we recognise the interconnected nature of our world—and the intentionality of seeing systems better equips us to embrace its complexities.

As a student in OCAD University’s Strategic Foresight and Innovation program, I’ve seen firsthand how early career researchers can apply systemic design to pressing issues—from gentrification in Toronto to the sustainability of fast-food systems and the evolving relationship between work, education, and artificial intelligence. Although as someone relatively new to the field, presenting at a symposium felt intimidating. Through my experience volunteering as an RSD14 project manager, I’ve realised that systemic design is not just for scholars and seasoned experts—the community welcomes those exploring systemic design for the first time. The RSD symposium is where those who live and breathe systems thinking and design methodologies come together. At its core, RSD is about relationships—between ideas, disciplines, and people. It’s a place for people working on systemic problems, locally or globally, to access support and insights from an international network of scholars and practitioners.

Arcs of Impact: Relationality in Complexity is not just about presenting polished work; RSD14 is about dialogue between expert systemic designers and those new to the field. It is about strengthening a community of thinkers and doers addressing systemic problems with systemic responses. For those of us at the beginning of our journey, RSD is an opportunity for us to engage with the field in a meaningful way, to learn from others, and to contribute our perspectives. The future of systemic design depends not just on experienced voices but also on fresh perspectives, new questions, and emerging ideas. And that’s exactly what RSD14 is here to encourage.