A Quick Guide to Expanding Your Mindset: Futures, Systems, and Design Thinking

Forward from Christine Reynolds, co-founder of designACE 

Hey, I’m Christine, and I’ll be honest—thinking beyond today’s challenges isn’t always easy, especially when you’re running a business. But here’s the thing: if you’re only focused on the here and now, you’re already falling behind. As a Futures Innovation Partner at OCAD U CO, I’ve learned firsthand how crucial it is to challenge conventional thinking and start imagining the world as it could be—not just as it is. And let’s be real, that mindset shift hasn’t just changed how I approach my work with clients; it’s been a game-changer for us at designACE too.

I’ve seen how Futures Thinking can unlock new possibilities when it feels like there’s no clear path forward, how Systems Thinking helps us untangle those messy problems, and how Design Thinking lets us transform those ideas into solutions that actually matter. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s absolutely necessary. So, if you’re tired of playing it safe and want to start thinking about what’s next, this guide is for you. Dive in, and let’s explore new ways to expand your mindset!

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In today’s rapidly changing world, the ability to think beyond the present moment is crucial. But how can we break free from short-term thinking and begin to see the bigger picture? That’s where Futures Thinking, Systems Thinking, and Design Thinking come into play. Each approach offers a unique way to reframe challenges, explore possibilities, and create a vision for the future. Let’s explore how they work together and why they’re worth adding to your toolkit.

🌌 Futures Thinking: Looking Beyond Today

Futures Thinking is all about imagining what might lie ahead. Instead of trying to predict the future, it’s about exploring a range of possibilities and thinking creatively about what could be. This approach encourages us to consider multiple scenarios, from best-case to worst-case, and to plan for a variety of outcomes. According to McKinsey & Company, organizations that engage in strategic foresight and scenario planning are better equipped to adapt to disruptions and seize new opportunities, as they are able to anticipate shifts in market dynamics and adjust their strategies accordingly​. It’s like having a radar for what’s coming—helping you navigate uncertainty with more confidence.

🔍 Example: Think about how businesses adapted during the pandemic. Those who were able to envision different futures—remote work, shifting customer needs, new technology—were better prepared to pivot quickly. Futures Thinking helps you see beyond the immediate challenges and stay adaptable, even when the path ahead is uncertain.

🌐 Systems Thinking: Seeing the Whole Picture

Systems Thinking takes a step back to see how all the pieces fit together. Instead of looking at problems in isolation, it focuses on the relationships and interconnections between different parts of a system. It’s a mindset that encourages you to ask, "How does this affect everything else?" Research from MIT Sloan Management Review emphasizes that companies leveraging Systems Thinking can better manage complexity by understanding the broader impacts of their decisions, leading to improved resilience and adaptability​. By looking at the whole system rather than isolated parts, organizations can address root causes rather than just symptoms, ultimately leading to more sustainable solutions.

🌿 Example: Imagine you’re working on a project to reduce waste in your community. A Systems Thinking approach wouldn’t just look at recycling programs—it would consider how local policies, consumer behaviour, and education all play a role. By understanding how these elements interact, you can develop solutions that are more sustainable and have a broader impact.

🎨 Design Thinking: Creative Solutions for Real-World Problems

While Futures and Systems Thinking help you see the bigger picture, Design Thinking is about rolling up your sleeves and developing creative, user-centered solutions. It’s a process that involves deeply understanding user needs, brainstorming ideas, and refining those concepts into practical, impactful outcomes. According to McKinsey & Company, design-led companies—those that consistently integrate design into their core strategy—outperform their peers, achieving about 32% higher revenue growth and up to 56% greater total shareholder returns over a five-year period​. It’s a reminder that creativity isn’t just about thinking outside the box—it’s about designing solutions that truly resonate with people and drive tangible results.

💡 Example: Think of a nonprofit working to improve mental health resources. By using Design Thinking, they might conduct empathy interviews with those they serve, identify common pain points, and prototype a digital tool that makes accessing support easier. It’s about taking ideas from abstract to actionable, with the user at the center.

Blending These Mindsets: A Holistic Approach

What happens when you bring Futures Thinking, Systems Thinking, and Design Thinking together? You get a powerful approach that helps you envision what’s possible, understand the complexities of getting there, and create tangible solutions. It’s about being prepared for change, seeing how different factors influence each other, and designing with empathy.

🚀 Real-World Impact: Imagine you’re a nonprofit looking to launch a new community program. Futures Thinking helps you anticipate future needs, Systems Thinking helps you understand how the program fits into the broader community, and Design Thinking helps you build a program that’s truly user-friendly. By using all three, you create a strategy that’s adaptable, sustainable, and impactful.

Conclusion:

Expanding your mindset isn’t about abandoning the way you think now—it’s about adding new tools to your toolbox. Futures Thinking, Systems Thinking, and Design Thinking each offer a unique perspective that can help you approach challenges with more creativity and confidence. Whether you’re dreaming up new possibilities or navigating complex problems, these mindsets can help you stay a step ahead.

Ready to explore how these mindsets can transform the way you approach your work? Let’s chat about how to incorporate Futures Thinking, Systems Thinking, and Design Thinking into your strategy. Book a 30-minute virtual coffee session with me to dive deeper.

Transform your problem-solving: Embrace design thinking and create solutions that truly connect!