CONTENT + SKILLS GAINED

WHAT ITS ALL ABOUT

Systems thinking helps you see the whole picture, and systems mapping turns that insight into action. In this course, you’ll learn three core mapping methods, how to create quick and complex analog maps, and how to identify relationships and intervention points within a system. You’ll also explore digital tools and build the skills to communicate complex dynamics clearly and confidently.

WHAT YOU WILL UNCOVER IN THIS COURSE

  • Start developing a systems mindset by learning the core principles of systems thinking and how they shape creative problem-solving

  • Learn 3 foundational analog systems mapping techniques (cluster/"messy" maps, causal loop diagrams, interconnected circles map) and understand when and why to use each one

  • Explore digital systems mapping tools you can integrate into your future projects for deeper analysis and clearer communication

  • Practice applying systems mapping through guided activities that help you see relationships, identify leverage points, and synthesize insights

  • Begin to explore systems dynamics and archetypes to better recognize common patterns and behaviors within complex systems

Dr. Leyla Acaroglu

Instructor Bio:

Sustainability provocateur, award-winning designer, 2016 UNEP Champion of the Earth, and creative changemaker pioneer, Dr. Leyla Acaroglu challenges people to think differently about how the world works. As the founder of the UnSchool and creator of the Disruptive Design Method, Leyla weaves together her skills as a designer, sociologist, and social entrepreneur to create highly immersive educative experiences. She is a renowned international expert on systems thinking and sustainability, running workshops around the world and designing activating experiences, gamified toolkits, and unique educational experiences that help equip people with the tools to intervene and change systems to make the status quo obsolete. Sought after for her unique approach to activating positive social change by design, Leyla's main-stage TED talk on sustainability has been viewed over a million times, and she is the author of several handbooks, as well as an op ed contributor for major publications like the New York Times.

Dr. Leyla Acaroglu

UnSchool Founder + Global Change Maker

COURSE CONTENT

  • 01

    Welcome!

  • 02

    Systems Mindset

    • Read: What is Systems Thinking?

    • Watch: Introduction to Systems Thinking

    • Watch: How Wolves Change Rivers

    • Read: Developing a Systems Mindset

    • Watch: Developing a Systems Mindset

      FREE PREVIEW
    • Explore: The 3 Main Systems at Play

    • Activity: 3 Systems at Play Activity

    • Download: Systems at Play Worksheet

  • 03

    Systems Mapping

    • Read: Analog Systems Maps

    • Watch: Introduction to Systems Mapping

    • Read: How to do Cluster Maps

    • Download: Cluster Mapping Instruction Sheets

    • Watch: How to do Cluster Mapping

    • Read: Causal Loop Diagrams

    • Explore: How to do Causal Loop Map

    • Activity: Causal Loops

    • Download: Causal Loop Diagrams Worksheet

    • Read: Interconnected Circles Maps

    • Download: Interconnected Circles Map Instructions

    • Read: Digital Mapping Tools

  • 04

    Intro to Systems Dynamics & Archetypes

    • Read: Systems Dynamics

    • Watch: Systems Dynamics

    • Read: Systems Archetypes

    • Watch: Systems Archetypes

  • 05

    Bonus Content

    • Activity: Incorporating Systems Thinking Activity

    • Additional Resources and Links

    • Extra Videos on Systems Thinking

  • 06

    Completion

    • Test your Knowledge with our quick quiz!

    • A Message From Leyla

  • 07

    Next Steps

    • Continue Your Learning Journey!

PRICING OPTIONS

Sliding scale pricing available for this course

  • Full Price

    This pricing level is for those who have the resources to contribute the full price in either one payment or two instalments. Your full price payment helps support those who otherwise would have a hard time accessing the course.

  • Supported Price

    This pricing level is for those who can contribute to the course cost, but not at the full level, however are still relatively comfortable with the cost. The supported price is equivalent to approximately half price.

  • Emerging Price

    This price level is for those who have either currency conversions that are distinctly unfavourable, are students, or are experiencing other hardships or circumstances that are impacting their ability to pay the full or supported fee.

Pricing options

Additional products