An Intervention Framework for a Business Context: A systemic design case of sustainable parenthood

E. Tschavgova*, E.C.V. Talgorn, C.B.A. Kobus, J.M.L. van Engelen, C.A. Bakker, S.S. van Dam

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

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Abstract

This study explores the application of systemic design approaches used in a complex commercial context to create positive and sustainable change. The case study was a business case on sustainable parenthood, in which the company tried to balance its ambitions for environmental sustainability with the need to survive in a highly competitive market. In close collaboration with the internal business company stakeholders, a causal loop diagram was created. The diagram mapped relations between global relevant trends for emerging young adults within the DACH market, sustainability, and parenting as a business. Leverage points for systemic change were identified which were explored through in-depth user interviews (n=10). This process eventually identified ten systemic insights, translated into insight cards to facilitate business actions.

Based on these combined approaches, the MINT framework (Mapping Interventions and Narratives for Transformation) was developed, with a strong emphasis on co-creation, iteration, translation, and communication of systemic interventions. However, while the internal business stakeholders and company representatives appreciated the bird’s eye view that systemic design gave them, they were challenged by the methods’ abstract language and translation of systemic insights into concrete action. To address this, the developed framework utilized systemic design artefacts such as a storytelling map and user-centred insight cards to facilitate a more comprehensible systemic design approach.

Overall, this study provides a first attempt at creating an actionable systemic design framework that can be used in commercial settings to promote positive systemic change. Future research will require further validation.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages30
JournalContexts: the systemic design journal
Volume2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Keywords

  • Parenthood
  • Commercial Context
  • Storytelling
  • Sustainability Transitions
  • Systemic Design Artifacts

Country (case study)

  • Germany
  • Austria

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