#Japan #Tokyo #Policy Lab #Systemic Design #Systemic

Introduction to Systemic Design Club Japan

The Systemic Design Club Japan, led by ACTANT and in collaboration with monlon, has unveiled a free Japanese version of the board game 'Systemic'. This game, developed by the UK's Policy Lab, focuses on applying systemic design principles to address social issues. Today, they announced the public availability through a Creative Commons license, promoting co-creative foundations across various organizations.

Understanding Systemic Design

As we confront complex societal challenges like climate change and declining birthrates, traditional linear solutions often fall short. Systemic design merges systems thinking with design thinking to create sustainable impacts in society. It addresses the intricate nature of social change and offers a robust framework through which diverse stakeholders can engage in collaborative solutions. The Systemic Design Club Japan translated this innovative board game released by Policy Lab in 2023 into Japanese, ensuring its accessibility under a Creative Commons license.

Official website here

The Board Game 'Systemic'

'Systemic' is an interactive board game that helps players experience and learn about systemic change approaches. It is based on the 'Three Horizons Framework,' allowing players to observe the current dominant system (Horizon 1), envision an ideal future (Horizon 3), and navigate necessary changes in the transitional phase (Horizon 2). By adopting perspectives of purpose, power, relationship, and resources—the four keys—players can gain insights into the complexity of real-world systems. The game typically lasts between 2.5 to 4 hours and accommodates 6 to 10 players.

Learning Outcomes from 'Systemic'

1. Designing Relationships

Participants take on various roles, such as citizens, business leaders, and government officials, to understand how design elements interrelate based on differing perspectives. This enriches their understanding of how interests and relationships play a crucial role in systemic design.

2. Viewing Invisible Mechanisms

Recognizing the flow of resources—like information and funding—affects systemic change. Through gameplay, players become aware of subtle biases and constraints that exist, forming a foundation for designing a better society.

3. Generating Actions for Change

Players actively engage in a process transitioning from the current system to their envisioned future. It empowers them to consider specific actions to instigate systemic shifts rather than merely crafting abstract ideals.

Who Can Benefit?

The board game can serve various individuals and organizations, including:

• - Local government officials feeling constrained in traditional policymaking processes.
• - Support organizations addressing complex community issues that require multi-stakeholder involvement.
• - Public sector entities struggling with cross-departmental collaboration.
• - Individuals seeking inclusive governance that reflects diverse voices.
• - Community business leaders balancing social impact with business objectives.

Open Distribution Format

'Systemic' is openly accessible under a Creative Commons license. The Japanese version includes special sample themes, enabling quick use in training sessions or team meetings, whether played internally or with friends. It consists of the game kit, facilitator guide, player notes, and sample themes as special features of the Japanese version.

Where to Get the Board Game

You can download 'Systemic' from the official website under the 'Policy' section.
Download here

Experience Workshop on June 2nd

An experiential workshop for the board game 'Systemic' is scheduled. Participants will embody various roles—government officials, local administrators, private sector participants, and citizens—to co-create solutions for public challenges. Participants will capture the complexities of intertwined systems and learn how to transform conflicts into collaborative opportunities.

Event Details:

• - Date: June 2, 2026
• - Time: 18:30 to 21:30 (Doors open at 18:20)
• - Venue: SCC Sendagaya Community Center, 1-1-10 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo (7 minutes from Harajuku Station and 9 minutes from Kita-Sando Station)
• - Participation Fee: 1,500 JPY
• - Capacity: 25 people
• - Target Audience: Business executives, sustainability officers, local government employees, designers, etc.
• - Organizer: Systemic Design Club Japan

Registration: Sign up on Peatix

About Systemic Design Club Japan

Headed by ACTANT, the Systemic Design Club is a loose community aiming to explore systemic design possibilities through a blend of research and practice. It seeks to facilitate the adoption of newly introduced methods and tools in Japan, striving for a wider dissemination and development of effective systemic design practices relevant to local designers, organizations, and citizens.

Visit Systemic Design Club Japan's official website

About ACTANT

ACTANT is a design firm supporting viable services and businesses grounded in service design and systemic design principles from qualitative research to concept creation and social implementation. Learn more here

About Monlon

Monlon is a research agency focused on participatory design in the domains of public policy and governance, promoting the concept of 'opening up questions.'

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding this matter:
ACTANT
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 050-3717-9515