HSD Praxis: Complexity Theory in Practice
● Complexity scienceS, made usefulWhat Are Complexity Sciences?
Complexity sciences refer to a large collection of theories and concepts that explain complex behaviours. The research comes from a wide range of disciplines, such as mathematics, physics, psychology, biology, ecology, brain science, traffic & urban systems management, and more.
HSD is complexity science, made useful.
Complex Dynamics of Human Systems
Human Systems Dynamics draws from many fields of complexity sciences, including agent-based modeling, thermodynamics, ecology, philosophy, and mathematics to find three conditions that influence the self-organizing processes of all human systems. The most challenging and interesting problems facing the world now have never been solved before. They are “wicked” problems because they cannot be solved at all. These problems are the special territory of Human Systems Dynamics. HSD was created to help you see, understand, and influence problems that are impossible to solve:
Understand the dynamics of the patterns that shape the problem
Identify options for action to influence those patterns
Take action to change the conditions and bring about change, and then see whats next
See Patterns, Not Problems.
HSD defines human systems as Complex Adaptive Systems: a group of semi-autonomous agents who interact in interdependent ways to produce system-wide patterns, such that those patterns then influence behavior of the agents. In human systems at all scales, you see patterns that emerge from the interactions of agents in that system. Thoughts, experiences, perceptions interact to create patterns of thought.
In an organization or business, individuals play out their roles, relationships, and expectations to generate patterns of competition or innovation. In organizations and communities, history, traditions, and expectations all influence behavior to shape dominant patterns we see as the culture of that group.
What are Patterns?
To see patterns in the world around you is to know your world and to understand something about that world. You make sense of the world by recognizing the patterns around you. In HSD, we use a specific definition of patterns:
Patterns are similarities, differences and connections that have meaning across space and time.
So you make sense of the world by asking others and yourself, “What are the similarities?” “What are the differences?” “How are things connected?” “What is the pattern I see when I look across time?” “What is the pattern I see in a moment?”office is conveniently located in Manhattan. A place to gather, grow, and reconnect.
Complexity in Human Organisations
-
From analysing the past, to influencing the present.
HSD Praxis uses what we see in the present moment to understand patterns that hold complex adaptive system potential for positive change. New possibilities emerge from applying the HSD Pattern Logic. The patterns that HSD Practitioners observe, understand, and influence are similarities, differences, and connections that have meaning across space and time.
-
From systems thinking, to systems doing.
HSD Praxis is grounded in Complexity Sciences and System Thinking, creating new possibilities for the practice and research. However, its is also about complexity and systems doing.
Adaptive Action allows you to move from system thinking to system “doing”. Your key to success is to integrate what you see and know with what you are able to do. As individuals and groups, we learn from action, and we test ideas in practice.
-
From theory, to models and methods.
HSD Pattern Logic is supported by a collection of Models & Methods. HSD Models help you see a system from a scientifically grounded perspective. HSD Methods provide you options for more adaptive actions. Together they support you by offering simple yet powerful sense-making and decision-making tools to set conditions for people to be their best and to do their best.