Systems and design thinking

• Published in: Municipal World Vol. 131; no. 4; pp. 15 - 17
• Main Author: Purkis, John
• Format: Trade Publication Article
• Language: English
• Published: St. Thomas Municipal World Inc 01.04.2021
• Subjects: Carbon; Cities; Climate change; Collaboration; Design thinking; Government; Housing needs; Municipalities; Public sector; Social innovation; Canada
• ISSN: 0027-3589

The tools are effective vehicles for identifying, describing, and communicating your understanding of systems, particularly in groups.1 Municipal governments in Canada are using systems thinking in various ways: for example, to help address climate change through the creation of greenhouse gas goals, targets, and inventories for corporate and community emissions; establishing long-term goals; and by collaborating with community groups that encourage members of the public to reduce their emissions. The Blatchford neighbourhood addressed a number of connected issues related to climate change by designing a carbon-neutral district energy sharing system, which also incorporates affordable housing and many other features.2 A similar systems approach could also be applied to other complex problems, such as homelessness and housing affordability. A growing number of public organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private sector organizations are using systems and design thinking through social innovation labs.8 Funders like the CMHC, through the National Housing Strategy, are also supporting projects that use these approaches.