81514 Creativity and Complexity
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 8 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 81513 Past, Present, Future of Innovation
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
In the first week of this subject students develop a strong understanding of complexity in order to navigate complex systems and challenges. The second week is focused on supporting students to conduct research into the complex system of a challenge space to design and propose an intervention.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Analyse and map systems, organisations and individuals utilising language, principles and tools of complexity |
|---|---|
| 2. | Apply creative approaches to generate insights into complex problem situations |
| 3. | Create value for system stakeholders through careful design of experimental interventions |
| 4. | Communicate key complexity concepts to diverse audiences |
| 5. | Draw from different perspectives, schools of thought and philosophical positions to investigate the assumptions that are intentionally and unintentionally formed and applied when framing complex challenges |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject contributes specifically to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes:
- Identify and evaluate complex challenges by analysing system dynamics, constraints, and potential leverage points, using disciplinary perspectives, evidence, and diverse viewpoints. (CII.1.1)
- Identify, create, and employ a range of appropriate creative intelligence methods and boundary-crossing methodologies to construct and solve problems and generate transformative possibilities (CII.2.1)
- Practice mutual, responsible value creation, including the implementation of sustainable and entrepreneurial innovation. (CII.3.1)
- Communicate transdisciplinary ideas and solutions succinctly and persuasively using appropriate modalities. (CII.3.2)
- Develop reflexive connection with an evolving self, demonstrating ethical and intellectual positions that reflect well-considered values that enable greater purpose and inclusivity. (CII.4.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The subject provides opportunities for you as a student to explore, apply and evaluate various principles, frameworks and tools of complexity in order to investigate and interpret complex challenges from multiple perspectives. You apply various techniques and approaches to map a complex problem situation and identify strategic and creative intervention points that have the potential to move the system towards desirable futures
So your experiences as a student in this subject support you to develop the following graduate attributes (GA):
- GA 1 Holistic analysis
- GA 2 Transformative creativity
- GA 3 Action orientation and TD experimentation
- GA 4 Contextual and self-awareness
Teaching and learning strategies
Learning takes place in a collaborative, immersive, experiential, studio-based environment. Students work individually and in teams and receive ongoing feedback from academics and professionals across a wide range of disciplines.
Content (topics)
- Complexity principles, frameworks, philosophies
- Systems thinking and complexity theory
- Creative interventions in complex systems
Assessment
Assessment task 1: 'Think complexly'
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 2, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): CII.1.1, CII.2.1, CII.3.2 and CII.4.1 |
|---|---|
| Type: | Exercises |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 50% |
Assessment task 2: Systems interventions
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): CII.1.1, CII.3.1, CII.3.2 and CII.4.1 |
|---|---|
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 50% |
Minimum requirements
Students must attempt each assessment task and achieve an overall pass mark in order to pass this subject.
Late penalties apply to all assessment tasks as outlined in the TD School Student Guide. Please consult this booklet for other useful information including Special Consideration, Plagiarism, Extension, and Student Support Services.
A minimum of 80% of attendance of classes (as outlined in the timetable) is required.
Required texts
Please check UTSonline for these texts and other recommendations.
Snowden, D.J. and Boone, M.E., 2007. ‘A leader's framework for decision making.’ Harvard Business Review, 85(11), p.68
Casti, J.L., 1994. ‘The Simple and the complex. Realities, rules and surprises,’ in Complexification. Explaining a Paradoxical World Through the Science of Surprise. HarperCollins Publishers, pp.2-42
Latour, B., 2018. Down to Earth: Politics in the new climatic regime. John Wiley & Sons.
Carpenter, S., Arrow, K., Barrett, S., Biggs, R., Brock, W., Crépin, A.S., Engström, G., Folke, C., Hughes, T., Kautsky, N. and Li, C.Z., 2012. General resilience to cope with extreme events. Sustainability, 4(12), pp.3248-3259.
Maani, K. and Cavana, R.Y., 2007. ‘Introducing systems thinking’ and ‘Systems methodology,’ in Systems thinking, system dynamics: Managing change and complexity. Prentice Hall. pp. 2-27
Capra, F., 1996. ‘From the parts to the whole,’ in The web of life: a new scientific understanding of living systems. (1st Anchor Books ed.), pp.17-35
Gray, D. and Vander Wal, T.. 2014. ‘Complexity changes the game,’ and ‘What is a connected company,’ in The connected company. O'Reilly Media, Inc. pp. 68-118
Montuori, A. 2011. ‘Systems Approach,’ in Runco MA, and Pritzker S.R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Creativity, Second Edition, vol.2, Elsevier. pp. 414-421
Other resources
Complexity Academy – Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCutCcajxhR33k9UR-DdLsAQ
Complexity – schools of thought - map:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8b/Complexity_Map.svg
7 Principles of intervention in complex systems – David Snowden:
http://cognitive-edge.com/blog/7-principles-of-intervention-in-complex-systems/
David Snowden on safe-to-fail experiments:
http://cognitive-edge.com/methods/safe-to-fail-probes/
Review of Policy Measures to Stimulate Private Demand for Innovation. Concepts and Effects, Nesta Working Paper Series 13/13, Jakob Elder
Senate Innovation System Inquiry interim report and issues paper