The rapidity with which complex systems shape and impact actuality and human experience is unprecedented and undeniably a salient feature of today's world. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to unravel the ripple effects of interrelated and interdependent systems wherein changes in one part, impact, to a greater or lesser degree, all parts of the whole. The impact across multiple domains, sectors and demographics has accentuated the need for design and designers to embrace systems-based thinking to facilitate, enable and enhance their design practice and the systemic value of design.
The term systems thinking is used to refer to the cognitive competencies of designers as identified by cognitive psychologists and neuroscientists. The term systemic design refers to the application of these cognitive competencies to co-creating adaptable and innovative solutions to complex and wicked problems.
In a world where systems are intricately interconnected, the finely tuned responsiveness of the people-centred inclusive designer, is ushered headlong into the world of systems thinking with its non-reductionist challenges of holism, connectivity, dynamic emergence, and ripple effect phenomena. The pressure this brings to bear on designers to incorporate multidisciplinary perspectives in their designerly approach is far-reaching and demanding.
This paper explores the integration of systems and design thinking from a neurocognitive and mindset development perspective. It will also identify barriers and enablers to cognitive integration, and propose a prefatory model for integrating systems and design thinking.

Conference Track:
Organization / Culture Change: Design research surrounding internal processes in the area of design thinking, design management futures, and leadership.