Program Overview

Practice Oriented Systemic Design

Introduction

The Practice Oriented Systemic Design course is designed for individuals aiming to deepen their understanding of systems thinking to enhance the design of services and products. This course will introduce participants to systemic design methods for increased understanding of systems thinking as a basis for designing services and products.

Admission Recommendation

A bachelors degree, or an equivalent degree or equivalent work experience, with an interest or experience in change on a systemic level, services, products, organizational development, or sustainable processes.

Registration

Registration deadline: 30th of January 2026. Admission information will be received by latest 3rd of February 2026. Registration is binding, and any cancellation must be made in writing and no later than 10th February 2026.

Content

Systemic design shifts perspectives on how businesses and society address challenges. By fostering holistic thinking and collaborative solutions, it equips professionals to navigate the growing complexity of todays world. This course emphasizes the importance of addressing problems through interconnected and interdisciplinary strategies, making it invaluable for anyone ready to lead change.

• The course combines remote lectures and workshops with in-person periods.
• Participants will learn about systemic designs principles and practices.
• The course requires some reading and preparations between the sessions.
• The course is a collaboration between Oslo Metropolitan University and partner institutions in Germany and France.

Knowledge

The participant will attain knowledge within:

• systems theory
• communication theory
• system dynamics and analysis
• methods for data gathering in complex settings
• intervention in systems

Skills

The participant will be capable of:

• describing and identifying complex contexts and relations by visualization
• creating systems-maps
• performing system analyses
• utilizing methods for data gathering, with emphasis on workshops and design probes

General Competence

The participant attains competence in systemic design by developing the ability to understand and handle complexity and systems thinking and sustainability in an international collaborative context.

Target Groups

The course is designed for individuals aiming to deepen their understanding of systems thinking to enhance the design of services and products. Ideal candidates include professionals and graduates with a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in fields such as design, organizational development, sustainability, and leadership.

• Relevant roles include service designers, product designers, UX/UI designers, and design researchers.
• Systems analysts, innovation managers, business analysts, and strategic planners may also find the course beneficial.
• Professionals such as sustainability consultants, organizational development specialists, policy analysts, and urban planners can greatly benefit from the systemic design focus.

Sessions 2026

Mandatory Sessions:

• 3rd of March, kick-off (digital, 16:00-17:00)
• 10th and 11th of March, lectures and group dialogue (digital, 09:00-12:00)
• 29th and 30th of April, workshops and group dialogue (physical attendance in Oslo, 10:00-16:00)
• 19th of May, final sharing and closure (digital, 13:00-16:00)

Optional:

• Tutorings: 18th of March and 7th of May (digital, 14:00-16:00)
• 29th of April, walk to Ullev嶚seter after session in Oslo

Costs

The course is part of an Erasmus+ cooperation project and is free of charge; however, travel and accommodation costs to Oslo are at the participant's own expense.

Academic Coordinator

Kristin St鷨en Wigum, Associate Professor

Certificate

Participants will be awarded a certificate after passing the course, requiring 80% attendance and submission of group work and an individual reflection note at the end of the course.