Systems suggest many things: Mass production (interchangeable parts, assembly lines). Mass tailoring (personalized service, customized configurations). Way finding (in the physical world, in print, and in software). And more.
One task of design education is introducing students to specific existing design systems, while also pointing out the general nature of systems. Another task is helping students learn to design new systems, preparing them for a future in which the designer's role is less about shaping artifacts and more about creating systems in which others can design.
How can design education introduce students to designing with systems? What is the role of "systems thinking" in design? How can students begin designing systems? What can designers learn about systems from other disciplines? What is the history of systems in design? What is the future of systems in design?
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