systems thinking: the cards 2019

Systems Thinking: The Cards

Think Better!

Thinking in Systems cards are designed to encourage a robust, practical, and repeatable approach to systems thinking. The game challenges players to explore and explain how they would apply systems thinking (principles, definitions, tools, and other concepts) to tackle a systems thinking challenge.

Thinking in Systems is designed for one to four players. Play time is approximately 15 minutes to a half hour or more, depending on the complexity of the problem and the depth of analysis.

Objective

The objective of this collaborative game is to use the cards to design and present a well-grounded approach to apply systems thinking to a difficult challenge. At the end of play, users should be able to:

• define the system and the applicability of systems thinking; • identify and apply the tools that could be used to better understand the system and why; • note any system archetypes at play; • indicate how to put into action the understanding of the system • describe the principles of systems thinking that underpin their approach.

…

Example of Play

Fred: Turns the Define suit face up and reads the cards.

Wilma/Barney/Betty: Listen and or read the cards, discussing the action steps and deciding which ones should be played.

Betty: Has the Principles suit and confers with Wilma, Fred, and Barney about which principles might apply.

Fred: Ensures that all the “must play” cards have been played. When the group is satisfied with the prototype for the Define suit, Fred sets aside the discards and the player with the Develop suit commences the next round of play.

(note - the full details are printed on the box!)

Content credits to Sarah B., Mark Z., & Chris G. Updated from <a href="https://www.thegamecrafter.com/games/systems-thinking:-the-cards">Systems Thinking: The Cards</a>