8. Lessons learned
‘It takes seven generations for the things we do today to work themselves through.’
- John Clare
There isn’t a conclusion to this series. When it comes to my practice, I’m still learning as I go. In some ways, the pandemic has knocked me back to square one — but then, I think square one is often the best place to be.
Piecing together these reflections from previous projects and lessons learned, perhaps my main takeaway is a sense of cautious optimism.
The tools and tactics I’ve discussed above don’t make the work any less difficult, frustrating or exhausting. And it’s strange to live in a society where the ruling powers do not accept that we need to find a way to live without stripping away the planet’s life support systems. Steering an industrialised planet of 9 billion humans through a century of climate and global change requires skills and ways of thinking that we were not designed for.
But despite the challenges of dealing with complex problems, I believe it is possible to handle them better. There are no blanket procedures, no failsafe techniques, but we are not predestined to fail.
As Dietrich Dörner put it: ‘Our job is to think of, and then do, the right things at the right times and in the right way. Everything at its proper time and with proper attention to existing conditions.’
Just that, then. Not easy. But not impossible, either.
I truly believe that in 50, 100, 500 years from now, our descendants will have far better techniques for grappling with complexity. Our strategies and processes now will seem crude and incomplete to them. But we’re building for that future, and working to leave a legacy for them.
‘The thing about working with time, instead of against it, is that it is not wasted.’
- Ursula Le Guin
Acknowledgments
As a practitioner, I rarely work solo. Most of the projects and techniques I discuss below have emerged from my work as a member of Boho (Australia) and Coney (UK).
In particular, my thanks to Michael Bailey, Jack Lloyd, Ralph Lumbres, Brandon Relucio, Rachel Roberts, Janessa Roque, Nikki Kennedy, Tassos Stevens, Jordan Prosser, David Shaw and Nathan Harrison.
For more about me, please check my website, or subscribe to my newsletter.
1. We live in systems: Becoming aware of what surrounds us
The disasters were designed by us — cuckoo clocks vs ants nests — the humility of systems thinking — seeing deep patterns — my practice as a writer, theatre artist and game designer, tools & techniques for thinking about the world
2. How to make a model: The art of systems modelling
What is a model? — maps on napkins vs satellite images — as simple as possible but no simpler — Best Festival Ever: modelling a disaster
3. A snapshot of everything: Tools for systems mapping
Mapping a Swedish forest — thousand year old oak trees — resilience assessments — a walk through the woods — Democratic Nature —
4. The future doesn’t exist: Scenarios and prediction
Why bother trying to predict the future? — the practice of creating scenarios — there are four possible futures — CrimeForce: LoveTeam
5. Narrative in systems: How to tell stories about complexity
Are theatre shows systems models? — underdog narratives & police procedurals — perspectives on an Indonesian rainforest in 95 Years or Less
6. Creating an experience: What design and dramaturgy teach us about worldbuilding
Theatre as rehearsal for revolution — dramaturgy & design thinking — tactility in Get The Kids and Run — collective experiences in Gobyerno
7. Don’t play games, make games: Interactivity in complex systems
Games are systems — game theory in Temperature Check — calculating risk in Busy Mayors — skilltesters vs decision-makers in Run A Bank
8. Lessons learned
Final thoughts — steering 9 billion people through a century of climate and global change — working with time instead of against it -
