Integrating Systems, Design, and Futuristic Thinking for Sustainable Complex Systems Design (ICIET 2025)
Post's content provided by: Didem
Authors: Alexandros Rouchitsas, Karin Johansson and Didem Gürdür Broo
Complex cyber-physical systems face enormous challenges when it comes to achieving sustainability goals. Our research addresses
these challenges head-on by proposing a transdisciplinary framework that weaves together three critical thinking paradigms:
systems thinking, design thinking, and futuristic thinking.
Through a hands-on workshop with eight PhD students, we explored how this integrated approach can transform the way we design and
develop sustainable cyber-physical systems. The workshop encouraged participants to think beyond traditional engineering constraints,
considering the social, environmental, and ethical implications of the technologies we create. Importantly, it pushed everyone to
envision alternative futures and challenge the dominant paradigms that often limit innovation.
The results demonstrate that when we blend analytical systems perspectives with creative design approaches and forward-looking futures
thinking, we unlock new possibilities for creating CPS that are not only technologically advanced but also socially just, equitable,
and genuinely sustainable.
Karin Johansson, one of our talented PhD students had the wonderful opportunity to present this work in Japan. The conference brought
together researchers from around the world, all passionate about advancing technology in ways that benefit both humanity and our planet.
Beyond the academic discussions, our time in Japan was truly memorable. The hospitality and intellectual energy of the conference
community made this an unforgettable experience.
This recognition validates what we've long believed at the CPS Lab that addressing the complex challenges of our time requires us to think
differently. We need to break down disciplinary silos, embrace diverse perspectives, and always keep sustainability and human values at the
centre of our technological innovations. A heartfelt congratulations to Karin and Alexandros for their excellent work on this project and
Karin’s outstanding presentation at the conference.
Citation
If you find the project useful, please consider citing our work:
@INPROCEEDINGS{11046226,
author={Rouchitsas, Alexandros and Johansson, Karin and Broo, Didem Gurdur},
booktitle={2025 13th International Conference on Information and Education Technology (ICIET)},
title={Integrating Systems, Design, and Futuristic Thinking for Sustainable Complex Systems Design},
year={2025},
volume={},
number={},
pages={411-419},
keywords={Human computer interaction;Conferences;Education;Cyber-physical systems;User experience;Systems thinking;Stakeholders;Sustainable development;Complex systems;System analysis and design;information systems;human-centered computing;human-computer interaction;computer systems organization;embedded and cyber-physical systems},
doi={10.1109/ICIET66371.2025.11046226}
}
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Photo credit: Karin's personal archive
