Learning Systems Thinking

Essential Non-Linear Skills and Practices for Software Professionals

Welcome to the systems age, where software professionals are no longer building software—we're building systems of software. In this world of increasing relational complexity, we need to think differently.

This book shows you how systems thinking can guide you through the complexity of modern systems. Through a series of practices and real-world scenarios, you'll learn to shift your perspective in order to design, develop, and deliver better outcomes.

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Highlighted Reviews

"When changing code becomes easy enough, yet changing software only gets harder—it is time for this book."

— Jessica Kerr, symmathecist

"You'll learn how to stop making things worse by trying to make them better."

— Kent Beck, chief scientist, Mechanical Orchard; author of Tidy First?

Reader Reviews (17)

“Deeply insightful, reassuringly practical, delightfully real, and staggeringly well written.”

— Kevlin Henney

“This book is a reality call. Diana does an exemplary job of giving us language and practices to help us improve our approaches.”

— Dr. Eduardo da Silva

"Diana’s brilliant book makes the ageless wisdom in systems thinking relatable and actionable for software professionals."

— Xin Yao

“Systems thinking is an essential mindset for anyone working in software engineering.”

— Matt McLarty

"I love how the MAGO case study examples throughout the book show how all of the concepts can be applied on real modernization projects."

— Nick Tune

"Everyone working in technology needs the skills learned from this book."

— Jacqui Read

"Systems thinking is essential to understanding the dynamics of systems’ behavior, and even ourselves."

— Vlad Khononov

"This book finally offers us a worthwhile heir to the work of Donella Meadows."

— Andrew Harmel-Law

"Read this book, share it with your team, and be ready to think differently."

— Mike Amundsen

"Practical insights and tools for the quest of designing, building, and maintaining software. It is definitely not a linear journey! Also, Diana's jokes rock."

— João Rosa

"The perfect tool to expand your thinking, Learning Systems Thinking is essential reading for anyone with hard problems to solve."

— Alexandra Paskulin

"Provides software engineers with a pragmatic approach, equipping them with the tools needed to collaboratively pivot a system for change."

— Kenny Baas-Schwegler

"A guide to changing how you think, offering practical advice and real-world examples to help you create more impactful software systems."

— Avraham Poupko

"This is a rescue manual for anyone trapped in the morass of linear thinking that cripples software delivery."

— Paul Rayner

"Enabling everyone to have conversations and create decision-informing models, whilst dancing with uncertainty."

— Dawn Ahukanna

"Gives you extra tools and vocabulary for clearer thinking."

— Andrea Magnorsky

"In an increasingly complex and unpredictable world, linear deterministic thinking by the few is no longer sufficient."

— Trond Hjorteland

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About Diana

She has spent the last 20+ years building software and solving systems challenges with organizations including Stanford University, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Teach For All, The Economist and the Wikimedia Foundation.

She is the founder of Mentrix Group, providing technology architecture, systems leadership, and workshops on nonlinear approaches. Diana gives talks and trainings all over the world but is happiest at home in the Hudson Valley (New York, USA).