Ideal for decision-makers in complex systems, this module introduces the Cybernetic Star: a simple and effective tool for bringing the components of systems to light across the domains of people, technology, and the environment. Participants will practice applying the Cybernetic Star to a case study AI system, exploring different vantage points and the effects of component changes.

Core ideas and tools#

In the context of AI and technology it’s important that we move beyond thinking in objects to thinking in systems.

The core ideas and tools of this module are:

  1. the Cybernetic Star can help us identify the components of a system
  2. the Cybernetic Star can give us different vantage points for viewing and drawing boundaries around a system

Learning outcomes#

At the end of the module, participants will be able to:

  1. identify and analyse the human, environmental, and technological components that comprise complex systems
  2. see a cybernetic system from multiple vantage points
  3. describe potential outcomes when a component in the system changes

Audience#

This module is ideal for decision-makers in complex systems, including people who work with AI.

Why take this module?#

This module will provide you with a practical tool, applicable in a wide range of contexts, for starting to effectively navigate complexity.

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Other education#

You are on Aboriginal land.

The Australian National University acknowledges, celebrates and pays our respects to the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people of the Canberra region and to all First Nations Australians on whose traditional lands we meet and work, and whose cultures are among the oldest continuing cultures in human history.

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