Designing Systems
📋 What it is
Good design shapes a system’s parts, connections and feedback to reliably produce what you want.
🗣️ Coach says
You can DESIGN systems on purpose. Whether it’s a classroom routine, a game, or a recycling program, good design means choosing the parts, wiring helpful feedback loops (rewards that reinforce good behaviour), removing harmful ones, and building in balance so the system self-corrects. Design the structure, and good behaviour follows.
🧠 Memory hook
Design a system by shaping its parts + connections + feedback → it reliably produces what you want.
😂 Giggle
Why did the domino refuse to fall?
It didn't want to cause a cascade!
😲 Whoa!
Well-designed systems make the RIGHT thing the EASY thing — like recycling bins placed right next to trash cans, which dramatically boosts recycling with no nagging needed.
✅ Quick check: How does a good systems designer encourage the behaviour they want?
Say your answer out loud first — then reveal.
By shaping the structure and feedback — making the desired action easy and reinforced, not by forcing it.
Design shapes behaviour through structure, not force.
🧪 Try it! (2 minutes)
Design a tiny system: how would you set up a room so tidying up becomes the easy, natural choice?