Even if you had never noticed, we are surrounded by systems. Systems are all around us, from the trains we travel on to the food we eat to the technology that powers our communications. Designers must increasingly move beyond isolated products to complex interconnected systems.

Thus, the primary goal of this elective is to help you improve your systemic thinking skills. Throughout the semester, we shall dive deeply into the world of systems-oriented design and work together to create a project that reflects your interests.

Rooted in the spirit of learning by doing, we will use our hands to create giga-maps, visualize interactions, and closely examine the interactions that occur among system stakeholders. Furthermore, we will work not only in the classroom but also outside, observing systems in action.

By the end of the semester, you will have developed valuable skills that can be applied to any field you choose to work in later in your career. Finally, during our final class, we will host an exhibition of all of your projects.

I am looking forward to meeting you and working with you all.

Best wishes!

Alberto