Designing systems for people*
*Systems for people are relationship-first, not human-centered.
A future founded on systemic flourishing.
Imagine a world where…
Everyone’s basic needs are met for safety, shelter, and proper nutrition.
The healthy choice is the easy and affordable choice.
Schools teach kids to be curious, caring, and confident.
Healthcare keeps us well.
The workday leaves us with energy to spare for the people and hobbies we love.
Prisons focus on responsibility, repair, and rebuilding lives.
Sytems for People* is a design strategy practice making systemic flourishing a reality in systems big and small.
FOUNDATIONAL BELIEFS
Relationships come first.
Everything we do is rooted in the belief that a flourishing society (and flourishing life) requires a foundation of mutually beneficial relationships. The asterisk is a reminder that systems for people are relationship-first, not human-centered.
Everyone’s a designer.
Design is not reserved for people with a specific degree or job title. Whether you realize it or not, you’re already designing things when you run a meeting, lead a classroom, or manage your household.
There is no system too small.
Big systems are made up of smaller ones that work together. You can have a meaningful impact by redesigning any one of them.
Education
Classroom
Extra-curricular programming
School building
School district
Business
Meeting
Employee growth program
Hiring process
Business model
Healthcare
Hospital
Safety net clinic
Primary care office
Nursing home
Justice
Courtroom
Juvenile detention
Jail
Prison
Food
Farm
Grocery store
Community garden
Personal garden
Tourism
Hotel
Rental company
Short-term rental
Guided tours
Campground
THEORY OF CHANGE
1. Start where you are.
Run experiments in your own spheres of influence. See what works and what doesn’t.
Document measurable impact on a small scale. Show that it’s possible to create a pocket of systemic flourishing.
2. Prove it’s possible.
Once people experience the difference and see the results, invite them to join in the work. Your pocket grows, and more pockets form.
3. Let it spread.
The success stories reach more people in power, resulting in state and federal policy changes that affect the whole system.
4. Redesign the whole.
Join the movement.
Subscribe to the Systems for People* Substack.
Get practical frameworks, empirical research on what helps humans flourish, reflections on my experiments, and role models who are already doing this work.
Attend a workshop or event.
In these interactive sessions, you'll see and feel systemic flourishing in action. You'll leave with practical next steps and, usually, a few new friends.
Collaborate through a consulting arrangement.
I offer a variety of consulting services to people who want to work towards systemic flourishing to their own organization.