The module is an introduction to systems-oriented design history and the reasons for the broad interdisciplinary and international interest in the discipline. It also provides an update on the standing of systems-oriented design in relation to other relevant fields. The module delves into the concept of design thinking.

The world is becoming increasingly complex, and all sectors are realising that simple solutions do not work, as everything is connected. We regard different problem areas as a system of systems. The module introduces systemic thinking and important concepts and tools of relevance for systemic design. Students explore key issues and receive training in Gigamapping. Systemic thinking and basic comprehension of systems-oriented design form the basis of the course. The module further focuses on understanding the problem area in the projects which the students choose to develop.

In a complex world that requires a high level of expertise, it is natural to differentiate fields into separate units or areas to attain sufficient depth. However, this approach is challenging when complex issues require collaboration between many fields to gain an adequate understanding of the problems and to ensure that the devised solutions do not unintentionally result in new complications.

In this module, we examine the challenges of successful transdisciplinary work and link them to various systems theories. These insights are subsequently connected to the students’ projects and the development of expert networks. In addition, we cover topics such as innovation, organisational change, psychology, and facilitation. We also engage with extreme teaming and, naturally, its associated management aspects.

It is impossible to find innovative solutions to complex problems without incorporating a sustainability perspective and the notion of the circular economy as well as a life-cycle assessment.

This module takes a broader look at worldviews, a deep dive into sustainability, and we will also go beyond sustainability and look at regenerative design. We will discuss and reflect together, and test out different concepts and ways of intervening.

Organisations are described as "stream of conversations" (Patricia Shaw). Communication is hence central in any change process but especially in those coping with complexity. Building on the visual dialogues of gigamapping, the seminar will provide a series of concepts and tools for communication in/for/of complexity.

In this module, we study various organizations and their relationships from a systems-oriented design perspective. We will work through our communication framework. We study link it to relevant theories and dig deeper into the systems (people) behaviour and communication. This will include relevant elements from psychology.

We will utilize the knowledge from previous modules and use this as our lenses when exploring how to influence the different feedback loops and power dynamics in the mapping. This inquiry is, in turn, linked to organisational change and strategy work.

The first year of the programme centres on students developing their own projects and receiving a thorough introduction to systems-oriented design. This module delves deeper into systems-oriented design and entails a focused study of relevant publications and literature.

Good systems-oriented design projects will stimulate creativity in many different ways. In this module, students will work using their SOD projects to facilitate creativity and study how creativity emerges from conversations in complexity. As a connected aspect, we will also practice co-creation and facilitation.

Many valuable concepts and designs have been developed only to come to a halt during their implementation. After the previous module, where concepts will be thoroughly tested and developed, we will use this module to consider the insights that we have obtained in the project thus far with a particular emphasis on involvement and implementation. In this module, we will use systems-oriented design as a method to prepare a sound implementation of the project. This effort also involves understanding as much as possible about future obstacles and change management that is required to optimise the influence. The module also addresses visualisation.

This module will review the requirements that apply to both the master’s thesis and academic texts, including academic accounts, source criticism, discussions and the expected structure of the master’s thesis as an academic text. The students will work on a topic through specific examples and an outline to produce a project description for their master’s thesis. The module includes lectures on individual topics that have not been sufficiently elucidated, such as ‘Industry as Laboratory’.

In Module 9, which takes place over a one-year period, students will write a master’s thesis. Here, the knowledge, competence and skills they have acquired throughout the master’s programme will manifest. Each student will choose their own topic for the master’s thesis, which can address a theoretical problem or a project assignment. A theoretical problem can be investigated through empirical or theoretical research. Students can choose to examine an issue from their own experience in the professional field or select a completely different topic in systems-oriented design.