1. Inquire

The first phase of the project begins by defining the topic and scope of the study in order to identify system boundaries and specific categories of interest. These categories are then used to guide primary and secondary research in relation to the current situation. Research methods can range from stakeholder ethnography to statistical analysis and interviews. To assist in the communication and the assimilation of the information the research is turned into visualisations and infographics. Visualisations can range from free hand drawings to giga-mapping and online software tools. [1] Inquiry is ongoing throughout the project.[2]

2. Identify leverage points

The second phase involves identifying the major problems to be addressed within the system and the relationships that connect them. Problems are analysed and used as a starting point to formulate opportunities and leverage points.[3] Leverage points represent places within a system where small modifications have the potential to generate significant change.[4] The visualisations created in the inquiry stage can be further developed to map the system across complex layers, scales and timelines.[5] These models can then be interpreted to identify points of potential leverage.

3. Design the system

Designing the system involves shifting from understanding the current situation to imagining what ought to be.[6] Changing existing circumstances into desired ones is where design makes its greatest contribution. This stage involves identifying and enhancing the values and interests of all stakeholders involved within the system by ideating potential scenarios.[7]  This future-finding process utilises methods like design fiction, envisioning and backcasting.[8], [9] In this stage of the project abstract concepts progressively come to life through the use of sketches, visualisations, narratives, and prototypes.

 4. Analyse

This phase of the project evaluates the environmental, economic and social benefits of the designed outcome.[10] A process of verification and validation is undertaken to foresee possible outcomes and identify gaps before the strategy is implemented.[11]  At this stage it is instrumental to consider that diverse systems with many connections and approaches are more resilient.[12]  Generating additional connections can enhance the outcome and offer new possibilities. Methods like giga-mapping that utilise spatial maps, sequential analysis, flow charts and causal loop diagrams can be particularly useful to analyse the designed system over space and time.[13]

5. Implement

Once the design has been analysed through preliminary studies and simulations the strategies produced by the team can be injected into the real world. [14] The project is realised in the specific territory and context that it was designed for, rather than acting as a global solution.[15] Implementation, also referred to by Ryan as ‘generating’ serves multiple functions. The implemented project aims to approach the complex problem, while also providing a deeper understanding of the problem by observing expected outcomes with actual outcomes.[16] 

 6. Feedback

Complex problems are constantly evolving and hard to predict, it is rare for a project to produce the anticipated results. Feedback coordination is fundamental to systemic design as it guides the performance of a system by facilitating the observation of positive and negative feedback loops.[17] The feedback gathered provides an opportunity to improve the project, develop a deeper understanding and discover new opportunities.[18] A continuous cycle of feedback and reflection from the first phase of the project through to the last enables the project to become reflexive and adaptive in the face of inevitable fluctuations over time.[19]