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Posted on Dec 14, 2022Read on Mirror.xyz

Essential Models to Learn for Understanding The Fundamentals of Social Design

Rule Number 1: Understanding Complexity

“Complexity refers to the state of a system that is made up of many interconnected and interdependent parts that behave in a nonlinear or unpredictable manner.”

Understanding complexity is important because many of the challenges we face in the world today are complex, such as climate change, global poverty, and disease. To address these challenges effectively, we need to be able to understand the underlying systems and dynamics that drive them, and how they interact with each other.

Understanding complexity can help us identify patterns, make predictions, and develop strategies for dealing with complex challenges. It can also help us be more resilient and adaptable in the face of change. There are many different approaches to understanding complexity, including scientific analysis, system thinking, and design thinking. These approaches often involve using tools and methods such as modeling, simulation, and visualization to understand the behavior of complex systems. Here are three essential models to help you better understand complexity and social design:

Two-loops model - why understanding two-loops model is vital for understanding social change

Life does not always follow a predictable, linear pattern. Understanding how the world's systems work can help you make short-term or long-term plans and decisions, and be more adaptable to change. To understand how systems work, we need to learn their principles. The two-loop model is one of the fundamental principles of systems change. It helps us understand how systems respond to changes and how we can influence those responses. By learning about the two-loop model, we can gain insight into how systems work and how to navigate them effectively.

The Two-Loops Model of Systemic Shifts is a framework for understanding how large-scale social and economic systems change over time. This model can help us understand the reasons for these shifts and how we can anticipate and manage them. As social designers, understanding this framework can help us be more strategic. It is also important to be patient when dealing with systemic shifts. Here are some sources to learn more about the Two-Loops Model:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMJefS7s3lc

https://www.themoment.is/how-change-happens/#:~:text=The%20%E2%80%9C2%20Loops%20of%20Change,eventually%20become%20the%20dominant%20system.


Trans-theoretical Model: the classic structure of behavior change.

The Model is often used to help individuals overcome barriers to behavior change and to develop strategies for success. This is a common practice for people who work in the social working field. A core model to remember for all social designer.

The Trans-theoretical Model (also known as the Stages of Change Model) is a psychological model that describes the process people go through when they attempt to change their behavior. The model was developed by James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente and is based on the idea that behavior change is a process that involves several stages, each with its own challenges and obstacles. Here is a quick guide of this model:

  • Pre-contemplation: individual is not aware of the need to change.

  • Contemplation: individual begins to consider changing their behavior

  • Preparation: individual starts to plan for change.

  • Action: individual takes concrete steps to change their behavior

  • Maintenance: the individual works to maintain their new behavior and prevent relapse.

  • Termination: individual has fully adopted the new behavior.

To read the actual paper, please visit here:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10170434/#:~:text=The%20transtheoretical%20model%20posits%20that,action%2C%20maintenance%2C%20and%20termination.

https://web.uri.edu/cprc/transtheoretical-model/detailed-overview/


Otto Scharmer's 4 levels of listening and dialog

To master the art of listening and guiding dialogue is very hard. It will take decades of practice to mature this skill, but building up the right basics will ensure a health growth in the future. Otto Scharmer is a professor at MIT and the author of the book "Theory U: Leading from the Future as It Emerges." as previously mentioned. In this book, Scharmer discusses the importance of listening and dialogue in creating systemic change. He identifies four levels of listening and dialogue that are necessary for creating meaningful change:

  • Downloading: We focus on our own thoughts and opinions and try to convince others to agree with us.

  • Factual listening: We remain detached and do not allow ourselves to be affected by their ideas.

  • Empathic listening: We allow ourselves to be affected by their ideas and emotions.

  • Generative listening: We go beyond understanding and empathy and try to connect with others on a deeper level.

It is important to practice through these levels of listening and dialogue because they help us to move beyond our own perspectives and assumptions and connect with others in a meaningful way. This can lead to more effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. It can also help us create systemic change, collective wisdom, and creativity of groups and communities.

More on:

https://ottoscharmer.com/publications


Last but not least, being Trauma Informed

Learning the models will help you see the bigger picture, but the people sitting next to us are just as important. As designers, we have a responsibility to consider the needs of all individuals and communities when creating products, services, and environments. This includes being aware of the impact of trauma and designing with sensitivity and empathy. Designing with trauma in mind can also help reduce the negative effects of trauma on individuals and communities. It can promote healing and resilience, and improve the overall effectiveness of design solutions.

In short, paying attention to trauma is important because it can help designers create more inclusive and supportive solutions, and improve the well-being of individuals and communities.

More on Trauma Informed:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesnonprofitcouncil/2019/12/09/the-importance-of-trauma-informed-design/?sh=39c3cd5d6785

https://socialwork.buffalo.edu/social-research/institutes-centers/institute-on-trauma-and-trauma-informed-care/what-is-trauma-informed-care.html

https://www.cdc.gov/cpr/infographics/6_principles_trauma_info.htm

In conclusion, understanding system models is essential for understanding the basics of social design. These models provide a framework for understanding how complex social systems work, and how they respond to changes. By learning about system models, such as the Two-Loops Model of Systemic Shifts and the Trans-theoretical Model, we can gain insight into the principles and dynamics of social systems. This can help us anticipate and manage systemic changes, and develop more effective strategies for creating positive change.

As social designers, understanding system models can help us be more strategic and adaptable in the face of complex challenges, and enable us to create more inclusive and sustainable solutions.