2025-06-12

June 12 (the second Thursday of the month) is the 132nd meeting for Systems Thinking Ontario. This will be an in-person session. The registration is at https://guild.host/events/a-taxonomy-for-systems-lr8djk

A Taxonomy for Systems Changes

When some speak of systems changes, what changes?  What might non-systems changes (or systems non-changes) be?

David Ing has contributed a manuscript for RSD14.  (This has not yet been formally accepted!)  Let's get together and discuss!

Excerpt

Under a premise that most espoused systems professionals are interested in systems only to the extent that they change, a range of systems approaches can be developed. The following list is non-exhaustive, and covers primarily the threads from social systems theory and general systems theory.

• 3.1 Structural Changes: (re)designing part-part relations, as reforming

• 3.2 Functional Changes: (re)designing part-whole relations, as transforming

• 3.3 Behavioural Changes: (re)designing interactions of a whole to the world

• 3.4 Ecological Changes: (re)designing whole-whole relations, as shifting regimes

• 3.5 Processual Changes: (re)designing sequences

• 3.6 Textural Changes: (re)designing weaves in time

• 3.7 Rhythmic Changes: (re)designing cyclical oscillations

• 3.8 Polyrhythmic Changes: (re)designing synchronic tempo

• 3.9 (Con)textural Dyadic Changes: (re)designing diachronic pacing

Session Leaders

Author:  David Ing is an adjunct professor for OCAD University, appointed by Graduate Studies beginning May 1, 2025.  He is past-president (2011-2012) of the International Society for the Systems Sciences.  After 28 years, he graduated from IBM following assignments in management consulting, market development, and headquarters planning. 

Discussant:  Roberto Pires is a MDes candidate at OCAD University, studying Strategic Foresight and Innovation. He enjoys all things systems thinking and believes that interdisciplinary approaches create better solutions. A long time media professional, he looks forward to bringing strategic foresight and systems thinking to the sector, and enriching systems thinking with media principles. 

Moderator:  Zaid Khan is a strategist working in both creative advertising and higher-education. In 2020, he graduated with a Master of Design degree in Strategic Foresight and Innovation at OCADU.

Venue & Registration

OCADU Graduate Studies, 205 Richmond Street West, Room 510

• Thursday, June 12, 6:30 pm - 8:15 pm

Please register at https://guild.host/events/a-taxonomy-for-systems-lr8djk

Suggested pre-readings / audio / video

• David Ing (2025, v0515) "Pacing Changes, Appreciating Approaches to Systems and Designing", Relating SystemsThinking and Design 14 (under review)

Agenda

Post-meeting artifacts

Bloggers are encouraged to write about their learning and experiences at the meeting. Links will be added to this page.