What will you learn?
Systems Oriented Design (SOD) combines design thinking with systems thinking and is a method to visualise intricate issues and systems, such as within a firm or an organisation. This methodology helps us to create a holistic overview of complex or wicked problems and coordinate valuable insight from different stakeholders, including both experts and users. This knowledge forms the basis for the creation of innovative ideas and great designs for new products and services that fit into a larger context.
In acquiring this methodical knowledge, you will practice solving multifaceted problems and learn to see connections between different problems and systems. Moreover, you will learn to analyse different systems, how they can be influenced and the tools and solutions to do so. You will also learn how to predict and avoid unexpected and unwanted consequences of potential measures and suggested interventions. This is particularly important from a sustainable perspective and will make you better equipped to actively participate in academic and public debates by integrating a holistic perspective in far-reaching and complex contexts.
The master’s programme will increase your formal qualifications, strengthen your academic knowledge and provide insight into and skills related to research and development work that utilises SOD.
Systems oriented design at AHO
Systems oriented design (SOD) is a way of thinking, but it is also a methodology for visualising complex issues. It is thus a valuable method and skill for understanding, communicating and finding smart interventions that help us to develop better organisations and society.
AHO is a well-renowned international school with a world-leading SOD environment that is highly respected in academic contexts worldwide. Through the Systemic Design Association, the school is actively involved in research in SOD environments in Zurich, Delft and Turin, as well as in India, China, Australia, Canada and the USA.
How will you learn?
The programme is seminar-based and it is crucial that the students are well prepared for the sessions in advance. Through lectures, discussions and assignments in the seminars, you will learn to visualise complex issues and express your thoughts about them orally and in writing. You will thus acquire analytic and theoretical skills and develop the ability to discuss, offer academic criticism and write concisely.
During the programme, you will work on an individual project related to your own employment or interests, which will be relevant to several of the programme’s modules.
You will also have a great deal of freedom when it comes to choosing the topic of your master’s thesis and the opportunity to relate it to your own work and field of interest. The thesis can be theoretical, in the form of a project or a combination of both.
An academic forum
Once admitted, you will become part of an academic community that includes representatives from the private and public sectors and from research environments. Your fellow students will bring different skills and knowledge to the table, and you will take part in interesting and informative academic exchanges. The student group will form a professional network that will persist even after graduation.
You will also be invited to the International Systemic Design Association’s events and discussions.
Teaching forces
The Institute of Design at AHO is academically responsible for this study programme, and SOD students interact with the academic community at the institute. In addition, The Executive Master of Systems Oriented Design is closely connected to academic networks in research, teaching, and practice – both nationally and internationally. A range of external environments also contribute to the programme.
The principal teaching contributors are:
- Andreas Wettre, Chair of Programme and Professor at the Institute of Design.
- Jonathan Romm, Professor at the Institute of Design.
- Birger Sevaldson, Professor Emeritus at the Institute of Design.
Programme structure
The Executive Master of Systems Oriented Design is a part-time programme with intensive seminars. The programme consists of 8 independent courses (modules) taken over the course of two years. The third and final year is dedicated to the master’s thesis (module 9).
Programme structure and content
Most courses comprise 2 seminars over the course of three days each. Every other seminar is digital to reduce the need for travel. Attendance is mandatory. The seminars consist of lectures, group work, and discussions. In addition to the seminars, each course includes self-study and required reading, and concludes with a project assignment. The programme demands significant self-effort but is organised to be compatible with full-time employment.
Excursions
One of the modules is a study trip to the annual RSD (Relating Systems Thinking & Design) conference. This is the most important SOD conference, at which practitioners from all over the world meet, listen and discuss a good mix of complex societal and organisational interventions and the development of SOD methods and theories. The trip expenses are paid by the students and are in addition to the tuition fee.
Reading list
Each module has a syllabus and a list of recommended reading. The student is expected to read the module’s literature prior to the seminar. Articles and compendia will be published on AHO’s learning platform over the course of the programme. Additionally, students will be responsible for buying a small selection of textbooks. The seminars will not be a review of the syllabus, but they should be regarded as part of the syllabus.
Who can apply?
A Master's degree in Systems Oriented Design (SOD) is relevant for a range of people in different positions who are working with complex problem-solving and in interdisciplinary collaborations. SOD is an approach to complexity that is influenced by and adapted to the designer’s way of thinking. Moreover, it can easily be utilised by people who are not designers, because the method is flexible and adapts to individual needs and situations.
Relevant applicants to this master’s degree may therefore be designers, engineers, middle managers, project managers and specialists with responsibilities for organisational development and a holistic approach to problem-solving. We invite applicants who encompass a wide range of roles and positions in the private and public sectors, as well as within non-governmental organisations. The programme is also relevant to those who already have a master’s degree but wish to renew and expand their knowledge.
The master’s programme is taught in English, which means that the students are required to have sufficient English oral and writing skills.
Individual courses
For those seeking academic advancement without committing to a full master’s degree, AHO offers the opportunity to pursue individual, credit-bearing courses.
The individual courses are standalone, short-term subjects that can be taken over the course of one semester, provided the course is offered during that semester. These courses are designed to provide in-depth exploration of specific subjects within the field and offer an opportunity to acquire new competencies and deepen existing expertise.
By completing the full sequence of relevant individual courses, you may become eligible for a practice-oriented master’s degree.
Read more about admission and application process
Students about the programme
What is Systems Oriented Design?
Get a quick introduction to what Systems Oriented Design (SOD) is, how it’s used, and why it matters for tackling complex challenges.
Learning in the Field: Excursion to Gressholmen
The students move their work into the field and apply SOD tools as they explore this excursion’s theme of how designed systems impact nature – while also taking the opportunity to understand their group as a social system.
Embracing Complexity: A Student’s Journey into Systemic Design
Hear student Bjørn share how SOD helped him refine his systemic approach and apply new methods to real-world environmental challenges.
Watch more video interviews about the programme (vimeo.com)