In our increasingly connected world, everything is a system. In addition, systems-thinking is giving us tools to address complex challenges where there are only responses rather than solutions. In the Systems course, students explore the dynamics of simple and complex systems as well as the design of systems, information and interface for human use. Complex systems have many actors and dependencies that are inherently dynamic in constant change, and they can only be understood by description of their connections. The design of systems is about mapping the flow of interactions and context, exploring the possible inputs and outputs, and crafting a design response that is useful, appropriate and robust. Through the design of user scenarios, information flows, schematics, wireframes and functional specifications, students will learn the importance of information architecture and thorough systematic thinking for effective navagation, searching, and exploration of information. Students will also gain an understanding of the differences and synergies between design and the organization of information as well as the ability to evaluate and analyze the success of a system to achieve the intended goals. Beyond information systems, students will learn how to begin to apply systems thinking to complex human systems.

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