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Module 6: Cross-Scale Design
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:30:17
Abstract
In this module, we explore eight scales of decision-making, of science-based design interventions toward regenerative systems, and how to navigate within and across these scales with their inherent complexities, using a scientific, designerly framework.
Objective
How can we bring the different data types and forms of inquiry together, with a larger aim to contribute to co-designing regenerative bioregional economies? How do small steps, tiny interventions, and different foci span together in a systemic way? We employ the circular cross-scale spiral model of auto- and sympoietic complexity with its eight scales of governance as a proven framework for navigating across systems types and scales. We practice entering a system and focusing on a specific scale, such as the product, the city, or the landscape scale, and looking at each scale’s circularities (plural), and relating this to all the other scales in continuous zoom-out-zoom-in processes. We allow for an exciting experiment and explore a potential scale 0 in the framework - Quantum physics/mechanics - and what this may mean for DRRS practice as a mental exercise. Through all modules, the course integrates three high-level domains of learning competencies—cognitive (knowledge-based), affective (emotion-based), and psychomotor (action-based). In other words, the course integrates science and engineering with designerly techniques and approaches through systems thinking and sensing, building metacognition as of self- and process-awareness, relating these through embodied practices to place-specific real-world challenges in complex systems, accompanying the learning process with an inner development lens — interconnected with the individual Quest projects of the participants. The rapidly developing applications of AI with positive and potentially critical impacts and side effects are intrinsic part of the learning goals, as is the integration of “warm” data, such as intuition. The learning objective assessment starts with the preceding MOOC and its final multiple-choice quiz. To pass the MOOC, 70 percent of the questions must be answered correctly across all modules. During the CAS, active attendance in the live sessions with experts is required for each module. In addition, the Quest’s progress is monitored continuously in the peer-learning process and through individual discussions with the lecturers. Students are asked to contribute at least once per week during the course to the DRRS virtual community on Mighty Networks with internal-public sharing, commenting, or liking. The final learning and progress assessment step is submitting a Quest delivery, which - through all three DRRS CAS’ - builds the base for the Master design thesis, for those taking the full MAS in Regenerative Systems program.
Content
We employ the above-named spiral framework and work through each of its eight scales in the context of participants’ Quests and relating to the different methodologies we explored. For example, we look at the scales of - green chemistry - how are nutrients and carbon equivalent cycles related to the systems we deal with? The green chemistry scale of the DRRS circular cross-scale design framework. - raw materials - what regenerative materials can we introduce or substitute within existing material supply chains? The materials scale of the DRRS circular cross-scale design framework. - product design - building upon engineering design work from before, we work on the raw material/products and goods scale of the DRRS circular cross-scale design framework. - service and experience design - the community, cities, and their services scale of the DRRS circular cross-scale design framework. - landscape design - building upon previous GIS work, we work on the landscape and community/city scale of the DRRS circular cross-scale design framework. - how does this feed into the (bio)regional scale of the DRRS circular cross-scale design framework? - and how such systems become less dependent on global supply chains - the transnational scale of the DRRS circular cross-scale design framework. - finally, we explore a potential “scale 0” of this framework, Quantum.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- WBZ
- Frequency
- Every two years
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Registration & Places
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Module 6: Cross-Scale Design | No time listed | 28 h semesterly |
Offered In
-
CAS in Regenerative Systems: Systemic Design (Offered only in the Autumn Semester (two-yearly).)