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UX Podcast

More systems thinking with Sheryl Cababa

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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Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Systems thinking requires ongoing dialogue and awareness among designers to effectively integrate broader implications into everyday design practices.
  • Designers must adopt a proactive mindset, embracing their role in influencing organizational decisions and addressing systemic challenges through critical thinking.

Deep dives

Reflections on Systems Thinking

The author discusses how the initial completion of their book on systems thinking led to misconceptions about the need for ongoing dialogue about the subject. They express surprise at how often new designers feel uncertain about applying systems thinking frameworks to their practical work. This reflects a broader issue within the design community about understanding how systems thinking can be integrated into everyday design practices, even when focusing on specific tasks. The author highlights the importance of creating awareness around how systems thinking can address these challenges in diverse work environments.

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