A lot comes up when you search “systems thinking” on the internet. It’s a little overwhelming, TBH. If you’re curious about systems thinking and systems design and looking for a short list of articles, books, videos, and podcasts that explain the concept and its practical applications, start here. This list has been updated from last year, featuring new resources alongside some of our community favorites.

Some of these were suggested by the IDEO U community, some by our course instructors, and a few appear in IDEO U’s Human-Centered Systems Thinking online course. When you’re ready to go deeper by putting these ideas into practice with a cohort of like minded professionals, our course is a great next step. In the course you’ll also get links to additional resources curated by our learning designers to help you extend your learning in each module. 

What is Systems Thinking?

Systems thinking is an approach to problem-solving that looks at how different parts of a system interconnect and influence one another. Rather than focusing on individual components, systems thinking emphasizes understanding the broader context and the relationships between those components. It helps identify patterns, predict outcomes, and address complex challenges by considering the system as a whole, rather than just isolated issues.

Helpful Systems Thinking Resources

To support your journey in mastering systems thinking, we've curated a list of valuable systems thinking resources that can help deepen your understanding and enhance your skills. Check them out below:

1. The Beginner's Guide to Systems Thinking IDEO U (Article)

This article offers an accessible introduction to systems thinking, highlighting key mindsets that help individuals understand complex systems. It emphasizes how seeing the bigger picture and recognizing interconnections can lead to more effective problem-solving and decision-making. Ideal for beginners, this guide lays a solid foundation for those looking to improve their approach to systems thinking in various contexts.

2. Systems Thinking vs. Design Thinking, What's the Difference? IDEO U (Article)

This article highlights the distinctions between systems thinking, which focuses on understanding complex, interconnected systems, and design thinking, which prioritizes empathy and creative solutions to human-centered problems. This resource offers insights into how both approaches can complement each other in addressing challenges.

3. Human-Centered Systems Thinking IDEO U (Online Course)

This course teaches how to apply systems thinking in a human-centered way to address complex problems. Our teachers empower learners to create sustainable solutions by understanding the interconnectedness of systems and considering human experiences throughout the process. It's an excellent resource for anyone interested in problem-solving with a holistic, empathetic approach.

4. Thinking in Systems by Donella Meadows (Book)

Donella Meadows is one of the first names you’ll hear in connection with systems thinking. A classic that has sold more than half a million copies worldwide, this book is a primer on what it means to think in systems and how to apply that knowledge to some of the world’s biggest challenges—war, hunger, poverty, environmental degradation.

5. Leverage Points: Places to Intervene in a System by Donella Meadows (Article)

Another oft-referenced Donella Meadows piece, Leverage Points explains how to find the places within a complex system where a small shift in one thing can produce big changes in everything.

6. Dr. Russell Ackoff on Systems Thinking, Part 1 (Plus parts 2 and 3) (Videos)

A pioneer in systems thinking and former professor at Wharton Business School, Dr. Russell Ackoff explains systems through the analogy of an automobile. 

7. What the %*$# Is Systems Design? Modus (Article)

Deirdre Cerminaro, IDEO senior director and instructor in our course Human-Centered Systems Thinking, answers the most common question she gets about her professional area of focus. Read for an explainer on systems, why they need designing, and what she actually does for a living. 

8. How to Think in Systems for Greater Impact IDEO U (Article + Podcast)

Deirdre shares how IDEO’s approach to systems thinking helps you go beyond thinking to doing—using creative methods to get you to solutions you can implement. She breaks down a mindset (zooming in and out) and a tool (systems mapping) central to a systems thinking practice and how you can try them out today.

9. What is Systems Design? How to Surface Opportunities for Change IDEO U (Article + Podcast)

Melanie Bell-Mayeda, former IDEO partner and managing director, has worked in systems design for 20+ years. Learn how she thinks in layers to identify the elements of a system, then creates a system map to surface opportunities for design.

10. How to Apply Eames's Powers of Ten to Real Life Problems Fast Company (Article + Video)

This video is worth nine minutes of your time. In fact, you may realize you’ve seen it before—or something inspired by it. The film Powers of Ten was made by Charles and Ray Eames in 1968 and is as relevant today as it was then. This article prompts you to think about the power of scale and the interconnectedness of our world.

11. Unlocking the power of design for the social sector Stanford d.school (Article)

A how-to for social sector leaders on using the practices of systems thinking, strategic planning and human-centered design in concert for greater outcomes. The advice is applicable to any company or industry tackling complex challenges.

12. Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Maree Brown (Book)

A favorite of Melanie Bell-Mayeda and many others, Emergent Strategy is often cited as a book that helped people think differently about change and the opportunity we have to design the future. It’s less of a systems thinking primer and more inspiration for thinking about the big picture.

Take Your Systems Thinking to the Next Level

Dive deeper into systems thinking with a human-centered approach in IDEO U's Human-Centered Systems Thinking course. Learn how to address complex challenges by applying systems thinking to real-world scenarios and creating lasting solutions. Sign up today to deepen your understanding and enhance your problem-solving skills.