Event Details
Book Title: Systems Thinking in Design: Frameworks and Methodologies for the Emerging Designer
Publisher: Bloomsbury, Visual Arts
Authors: Prof. Lilian Crum and Dr. Ahu Yolaç
Expected Publication Year: 2026/27
Discover the transformative potential of systems thinking in design with Systems Thinking in Design, an essential guide for design students. This practical handbook illuminates the value and methodologies of systems thinking, empowering students to create impactful designs at multiple scales. This handbook not only demystifies systems thinking, making it an accessible and relevant tool to better understand today’s complex design challenges, but also serves as a vital resource that fills an essential gap in undergraduate design education. It offers a comprehensive introduction to the methodologies of systems thinking in a clear, engaging manner, paving the way for students to apply these principles across various design fields. It provides project examples at a global scale to exemplify diverse design fields and users systems thinking influences. Whether studying graphic design, game design, product innovation, or exploring multi-disciplinary approaches, Systems Thinking in Design equips students with the foundational knowledge to think more deeply and design more impactfully, setting the stage for advanced study and practice.
Call for Projects: Contribute to Systems Thinking in Design
Are you passionate about utilizing systems thinking in design processes? We invite you to contribute a case study of a project to Systems Thinking in Design: Frameworks and Methodologies for the Emerging Designer, a practical handbook aimed at empowering undergraduate design students to tackle today’s complex challenges with impactful, scalable solutions.
This book serves as an accessible and engaging guide, demystifying systems thinking and showcasing its transformative potential across various design fields. From graphic design to game design, product innovation, and multidisciplinary approaches, Systems Thinking in Design highlights diverse methodologies and global project examples that illuminate the principles and power of systems thinking.
We are seeking submissions of exemplary projects in the form of case studies that demonstrate:
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The application of systems thinking methodologies in design
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Real-world projects at various scales (local to global)
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Advanced student projects that incorporate participatory design
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Diverse fields and innovative approaches in design such as graphic design, game design, product design, architecture etc
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Multidisciplinary collaborations
Submission Guidelines
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Format: Submit an abstract describing the project in detail (500–1,000 words), high-resolution images (if applicable), and a short list of contributors.
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Eligibility: Open to educators, graduate/PhD students, and professionals across all design disciplines.
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Proposals Deadline: May 15 2025
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Initial Notice of Acceptance: June 15 2025
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First Full Draft: September 1, 2025
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Peer Review Feedback: Oct 1, 2025
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Second Draft: Nov 1, 2025
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Second Round of Feedback: Dec 1, 2025
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Final Draft: Jan 1, 2026
Selected contributions will be featured in the book, with full attribution to the authors. By sharing your work, you will inspire the next generation of designers and enrich the learning experience for students globally.
Please note that, based on the project structure and scope, the authors might ask for additional information regarding the project. As a general guideline, the final submission should follow the template below:
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Project title
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Project location
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Interviews with stakeholders of the project (communities, groups, target audiences, and designers, etc) (5-10 questions, depending on the project's scope)
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Project description with images (including key points such as its intentions, development and implementation process, observed impact etc.) (approx 750-2000 words, depending on the project's scope)
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Connection to existing theories, practices, projects, bibliography
We look forward to receiving your proposals,
The authors: Prof. Lilian Crum and Dr. Ahu Yolaç
Contact Information
For inquiries, please contact systemsthinkingindesign@gmail.com
Sumbmission form: https://forms.gle/7gnf14d2YB4rY7rQA
