Episode 10: System Intervention

Donella Meadows’ twelve leverage points for system intervention is a road-map for how to most efficiently solve a problem based on the variables at hand. In this discussion, we put on our designer hats and contemplate how this type of systems thinking can be simplified to three simple methodologies: changing the variables, changing the game & changing the rules.

If a designer alters existing, understood variables to achieve an outcome, than that outcome can achieve success within reasonable expectations. If a designer transforms their methods for evaluating inputs, a transformative outcome is likely to occur. However, if a designer changes the rules altogether - well, then you get a paradigm shift.

References:

• Leverage Points - Donella Meadows

• IPCC Reports Database

• Pattern Language - Christopher Alexander

• Manual of Section - LTL

• Office of the Public Architect - Future Firm

• Subtraction - Keller Easterling