Our Approach · Framework
Systems-8™
A repeatable thinking routine for children. Eight areas of inquiry that turn advanced systems ideas into questions any child can practise.
1
Step 1Situation
What is happening?
Child prompts
- What can we observe?
- What evidence do we have?
- What are we assuming?
Example
The school playground is dirty after lunch.
2
Step 2Purpose
What is the system supposed to achieve?
Child prompts
- What does success mean?
- Does everyone want the same outcome?
- Are we measuring the right thing?
Example
A clean, healthy space everyone can enjoy.
3
Step 3People
Who is involved or affected?
Child prompts
- Who decides?
- Who benefits?
- Who is doing the work?
- Who has not been asked?
Example
Students, cleaners, canteen staff, teachers.
4
Step 4Parts
What makes up the whole?
Child prompts
- What components are involved?
- What is inside our analysis?
- What have we left outside?
Example
Bins, packaging, timing, routines, rules.
5
Step 5Patterns
What keeps happening over time?
Child prompts
- Is this a one-off event?
- When does it get better or worse?
- Is there a delay?
Example
It is worst right after the lunch bell.
6
Step 6Connections
How do the parts influence one another?
Child prompts
- Does A affect B?
- Does B come back to affect A?
- Are there several causes?
Example
Full bins → litter → littering looks normal.
7
Step 7Consequences
What may happen next, later or elsewhere?
Child prompts
- Who may be helped?
- Who may be harmed?
- Could the solution create another problem?
Example
Punishment might just move the problem.
8
Step 8Change
What responsible improvement should we test?
Child prompts
- What is the smallest useful experiment?
- What will we measure?
- When will we review and adjust?
Example
Add bins where litter appears; review in a week.
Systems-8 is not intended to replace established systems methodologies. It is a child-friendly translation layer that helps children practise their underlying habits progressively.
See Systems-8 in a real challenge
Watch the eight questions turn a familiar problem into a deeper, fairer inquiry.