A system-intelligent individual perceives, understands, acts within, and exerts influence on interactive wholes – that is, systems – of which they themselves are a constituent part, often without these systems being fully visible, identifiable, or controllable. Intelligence in system-level action manifests as an approach that seeks to avoid an external observation. Our understanding of systems emerges from the capacity to construct experiential pathways and to navigate within them. System(ic) design enables the creation of representational forms of systems that support such navigation.
SystemDesign (system/ic design or design for systems) enables the creation of different systems representations to support navigation. Many challenges in business, society, and the environment transcend analysis at the level of individual services or customer experiences and can no longer be adequately structured solely through the ethos of service design. The ideals of human- or user-centered design – where the needs of the customer or user are placed at the center – along with design practices grounded in customer insight and design thinking, have guided service development primarily at the level of a service. Instead, activities should be examined and developed at the level of systems.
Contemporary problems are no longer unambiguous or straightforwardly solvable; rather, they are often wicked. They embody continuous change, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Such challenges require systemic thinking, interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral collaboration, and the capacity to tolerate incompleteness. When designing at the system level, a central concern is the design of system-level collaboration and the examination of systems formed by interacting actors (Norman 2023; Poikolainen et al. 2025). SystemDesign has a multidisciplinary foundation and is closely connected to system thinking, although it originates in design research and design practice (e.g., Suoheimo et al. 2025; Sevaldson & Jones 2019; Jones & Van Ael 2022; Fitzpatrick et al. 2024).
Artificial intelligence (Ai) is utilized as a tool or assistant, for example, in system simulation and analysis, or in the design of strategies and services. Artificial intelligence may also be examined as an actor, such as an agent assistant or even a colleague – and thus as a significant driver or force of change (e.g., Sitra 2026; Tulevaisuusvaliokunta 2025). Articles may include both positive and critical perspectives.
The texts may address, for example, the following questions and themes:
- The relationship between system thinking and system design
- Co-evolutionary system(ic) design, multi-actors, and collective capability
- System thinking and system(ic )design in relation to speculative design, futures thinking, and foresight
- System Design Frameworks, methods, and practices
- Higher education and pedagogy in system(ic )design
- Practical examples of system(ic) design and boundary-crossing practices
- The transformative role of artificial intelligence in systemic analysis
- The use of artificial intelligence in systemic design
The aim of this theme is to create a multifaceted issue that inspires and supports commitment to, and appreciation of, the diversity of system(ic) design within higher education. Authors are encouraged to engage in timely, interdisciplinary, and multi-professional topics. The call for papers may be freely shared within one’s own organization and professional networks.
The theme editors
Päivi J. Tossavainen, Principal lecturer, D.Sc. (Econ), VoT, Laurea UAS, paivi.tossavainen@laurea.fi
Anna Salmi, Senior Lecturer, MA, doctoral candidate Laurea UAS, anna.salmi@laurea.fi
Mirja Andersson, Senior Lecturer, FT, VoT, Vaasa UAS, mirja.andersson@vamk.fi
Schedule 3/ 2026:
- Article proposals should be sent to the theme editor in the form of an abstract. The abstract should be no longer than 200 words and sent as a Word file to Päivi J. Tossavainen at paivi.tossavainen@laurea.fi by 1.5.2026 at the latest.
- All authors who have submitted abstracts will receive a response regarding possible acceptance for the theme issue by 20.5.2026.
- Article manuscripts and image proposals should be sent to the theme editor Päivi J. Tossavainen, at paivi.tossavainen@laurea.fi by 30.8.2026 at the latest.
- Feedback on the article will be sent to the author by 15.9. 2026.
- The final article should be sent to the theme editor at paivi.tossavainen@laurea.fi by 30.9. 2026.
- The theme issue will be published in week 42.
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