

More systems thinking with Sheryl Cababa
22 snips Feb 13, 2025
Sheryl Cababa, an international speaker and educator at the University of Washington, shares her experiences two years after publishing her book on systems thinking for designers. She discusses the importance of embracing systems thinking in design strategies, especially in complex fields like global health and education technology. Sheryl emphasizes proactive initiatives in user research and critiques the disconnect between tech solutions and societal needs. The conversation unfolds around the obstacles of integrating disruptive technologies and the evolving role of junior designers in fostering ethical practices.
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The Unforeseen Journey of Systems Thinking
- Sheryl Cababa initially thought writing the book would conclude her systems thinking journey.
- However, she realized that promoting and discussing it was crucial, leading to insights on designers' perceived lack of power.
Designers' Struggle with Systems Thinking
- Junior designers often struggle to apply systems thinking, citing their focus on individual features.
- Cababa, a design strategist, hadn't anticipated this issue, highlighting a potential gap in her book.
Cultivating a Systems Mindset
- Adopt a systems thinking mindset by looking at the world through interconnected lenses.
- Analyze everyday occurrences, like the distribution of trees in neighborhoods, to reveal underlying structures and mental models.