The global leader in systems thinking research, innovation, training, and impact.
Born at Cornell University, our research lab studies the problem that underlies all problems: thinking. We do basic and applied research, design innovative tools and technologies, and facilitate public understanding in four areas: Systems Thinking (cognitive complexity), Systems Mapping (visual complexity), Systems Leadership (organizational complexity), and Systems Science (material complexity).
We study complexity in order to better understand how to align mental models with real-world systems to decrease biases, make better decisions, solve wicked problems, and 'get it right' more often.
We do science. We invent stuff based on science. We translate the science for public understanding.
Research Lab
We do science. We push the cutting-edge of science in the area of systems thinking (cognitive complexity) and complex adaptive systems (CAS). Our research and publications are known worldwide. With research funded by both private and public funding like NSF, USDA, and Cornell, we try to make our our work as free and accessible as possible. We believe knowledge wants to be free.
Innovation Lab
We invent stuff based on the science. As a design and innovation lab, we know that systems thinkers need valid quantifiable testing and technical tools and technologies to do their work. We are committed to developing practical and powerful tools for Systems Thinkers. With two US patents, an NSF Innovation Grant, the only validated systems thinking assessment, mapping software, 3-D whiteboard blocks and more, we're just getting started.
Impact Lab
We translate the science for public understanding.The idea that science is supported by citizens is in our DNA. We focus on real-world impact. We use translational research techniques to develop easy-to-understand books, keynotes, trainings, online courses, intensive certification, and free resources and work with trusted partners like LinkedIn Learning and Cornell University to make them accessible to millions of people worldwide.
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Want to be a better Systems Thinker?
Watch this short, award-winning film on DSRP and then pick any topic, issue, problem, or system and ask the five questions about it (below). Empirical research shows, high statistical significance, that systems thinkers do more of these five things and that the structural predictions of DSRP Theory (from which five questions are derived) increase cognitive ability. There are many more questions that can be derived, but these are the best ones to get started doing systems thinking.
Research shows that asking these 5 questions of an idea, issue, or concept increases systems thinking
What things am I choosing to see and not see?
How are these things organized into part-whole groups?
Our Vision is 7 Billion Systems Thinkers. We focus on theoretical, basic, and applied research applicable to everyday lives. We look for projects that bridge our scientific research with real-world, practical, everyday experience. We work with excellent teams of excellent people. We follow the science. We don't just think the theories, we execute the empirical research, and we innovate, invent, and design tools that make lives better and increase human potential and organizational effectiveness.
An internationally known author and systems scientist and serves on the faculty of Cornell University and the Board of Advisors DSE at the US Military Academy at West Point...
An expert in translational research methods and systems thinking, Laura serves as faculty of Cornell University where she teaches systems thinking, mapping, and leadership...
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Our research impacts individuals and organizations
The Impact of Our Work is Diverse and Global
We're proud that the value of our research spans the public and private and for-profit and nonprofit sectors. That our work effects individuals and organizations from international NGOs to small, rural schools to the executive suite of the Fortune 100. From social-change initiatives to university research labs to government agencies to tech startups to Blue Chips to Silicon Valley's unicorns... It is a diverse and global group, but here are few of the amazing folks we are proud to work with...
