Systems Thinking in design is (sometimes) Systems-washing

A short critical analysis of “What’s the Point of AI without Design and Systems Thinking? ”

Detergent poured into a washing machine as a metaphor for how systems thinking is often treated in design circles — Photo by No Revisions on Unsplash

Recently, I stumbled upon this article, “What’s the Point of AI without Design and Systems Thinking?”, highlighted by UX Collective publication in their newsletter.

What’s the point of AI without Design and Systems Thinking?

I can’t help but notice that Systems Thinking (ST) in design circles has passed the hype curve and has now entered a form of “systems-washing” stage, when even surface-level understanding passes for brilliance.

What’s the Point of AI without Design and Systems Thinking?

Perhaps the question is a non sequitur?

I mean, there could be many reasons for using AI which does not require Design or Systems Thinking to make sense. Even the article’s own conclusion is about the “potential of interdisciplinary collaboration” for solving complex challenges, not the lack of inherent meaning of using AI.