Systems Oriented Design
— The designerly way to work with systems
GIGAMAPPING
Gigamapping is part of the systems oriented framework
The term gigamapping was introduced in 2009 by Birger Sevaldson in the context of the 2009 SOD design studio at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design. In that studio, the designerly mapping techniques that were used before already from 2006 and onward were developed to a new level of complexity.
Foundations
Design thinking and design practice are potentially very powerful approaches to deal with super complexity
The world is rapidly changing, and the need to stay ahead of changes increases the complexity of the design process. Systems oriented design addresses these problems by developing systems thinking in design practice with concepts, techniques and methods developed by and for designers. Systems oriented design helps designers become better at dealing with complex problems. Complex problems are described as problem fields, networks of problems, wicked problems and problematiques.
SOD BOOK
Designing Complexity: The Methodology and Practice of Systems Oriented Design
by Birger Sevaldson
This book changes the way you think about designing. Instead of simplifying embrace richness. Instead of controlling you learn to live with uncertainty.
SOD is a living and adaptable methodology. Though it is based on design thinking and design methodology, it is easily adapted and applied by anybody who is working with complex change processes.
Order the book
— News blog
Design for very complex systems (AHO)
This course is an entire semester duration course with 24 ETCS. It is taught in English and is open to exchange students. The course runs in autumn every year.
Introduction to Systems Oriented Design (AHO)
The GK6 Introduction to Systems Oriented Design is a seven weeks, 12 ETCS course in the third year of the AHO bachelor program at AHO. The course is taught in Norwegian.Below is an example of the output of the course. The report is produced by five teams working on...
Book: Designing Complexity
The Methodology and Practice of Systems Oriented Design
The SOD Picture Book
The SOD Picture Book is an unfinished book project that collects AHO master’s projects from 2008-2012.
RSD11 Brighton
NORWAY DELEGATION 2022RSD11 was in Brighton this year from 12th to 16th October. It was a wonderful experience and we thank the organisers headed by Ben Sweeting from Brighton University. We were a large delegation from Norway with our executive master’s students and...
SOD Executive master (AHO)
This experience-based master’s degree is part of AHO’s further education programme and provides insight into solving complex problems by combining systemic thinking with design thinking in an innovative form of design.
SOD Masters at AHO
This master’s program is part time with two modules every semester. Each module has two seminars of three days, one in Oslo on site and one digital. The program goes over three years.