Human Centered Systems Thinking

Our firm employs user-centered design and strategy to ensure that solutions are deeply aligned with the real challenges and needs of our clients and their community. We offer a range of capabilities in human centered research to gather data from users and stakeholders including co-design, focus group facilitation, user interview, and survey design. We also offer capabilities in interface and process design, ensuring products are accessible and intuitive. We strive to create value by first identifying the right problems and their root causes so clients can make informed, impactful decisions that drive long-term positive change.

What is human centered systems thinking?

Systems are the product of the interaction of its parts.

Organizations, as complex systems, involve people and their relationships with each other as well as their interactions with devices and tools. As a result, these systems are dynamic, adaptive, and unpredictable.

Human centered systems thinking is a mindset and methodology for solving complex problems by combining systems thinking (seeing connections and interactions between people in a system) with human-centered design (empathizing with people and their experiences) to develop promising solutions.

Reference: IDEO U Human-Centered Systems Thinking

How do we apply it?

Problem Solving Framework

Adapted from the Cynefin Framework, EMI uses a decision-making model that helps identify the nature of a problem—simple, complicated, complex, or chaotic—and guides the appropriate approach to solve it. By categorizing problems, it enables leaders to apply context-specific strategies for better outcomes.

Participatory Systems Mapping

Participatory Systems Mapping is a collaborative process that engages stakeholders to map system dynamics, identify patterns and leverage points, make informed decisions, develop strategic interventions, and iteratively refine solutions for continuous improvement. EMI specializes in engaging a broad range of cross-sector and interdisciplinary stakeholders present in every complex system.

Design Thinking

Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that emphasizes empathy, ideation, and experimentation to develop innovative solutions that meet user needs. It encourages iterative learning through prototyping and feedback to refine ideas.

Complex Systems Analysis

Complex systems analysis examines the interconnected relationships and dynamic behaviors within a system, using various visual models—such as network diagrams, causal loops, and system maps—to reveal patterns, identify leverage points, and inform decision-making.

Our Services

  • User Experience Design

  • Interface Design

  • User Inquiry

  • Generative Research

  • Process Design

  • Content Strategy

  • Workshop Facilitation

  • Governance Strategy