Throughout history, systems thinking has been behind some of the world’s game-changing innovations—and in today’s complex, interconnected world, it’s more relevant than ever.
“Systems thinking helps innovators to see not only the immediate effects but also the long-term consequences of their decisions, leading them to create more sustainable and efficient solutions,” explains Dr. Bruce Cameron, Director of MIT's System Architecture Lab and lead instructor for MIT xPRO’s four-course program, Architecture and Systems Engineering: Models and Methods to Manage Complex Systems.
He continues, “By understanding feedback loops and interactions within the system, systems thinking allows innovators to manage complexity, reduce inefficiencies, and refine their designs to bring their ideas to the market.”
To truly grasp the value of this approach, look no further than the incredible work of some of the most notable visionaries—people whose creative approaches inspire us and show what’s possible when we think in systems.
1. Amar Bose 
Amar Bose, founder of Bose Corporation and an MIT Professor for many decades, applied systems thinking to revolutionize how we experience sound.
His approach to tuning a vehicle’s sound system, for instance, went far beyond simply adding powerful speakers. Bose understood that acoustics inside a car were a complex system influenced by the cabin's shape, materials, and layout. He meticulously analyzed how sound interacted with these elements, creating audio systems that delivered clear, immersive sound. Bose enjoyed the level of control in tuning vehicle audio in part because it could be designed, as compared with variation in placement of audio devices in a room.
Dr. Cameron notes that Bose’s development of noise-canceling headphones is a prime example of how systems thinking prioritizes long-term optimization over short-term goals. Rather than focusing on immediate fixes, it encourages innovators to think holistically, considering how every element within a system interacts and contributes to the overall outcome. Bose began working on the concept for noise-canceling headphones as early as 1978, and it took 22 years to bring it to market. The process enabled him to create a product that was truly groundbreaking.
2. Sir James Dyson 
British inventor Sir James Dyson transformed everyday household devices by applying a systems-thinking approach to problems most people never questioned. His innovations—such as the bagless vacuum cleaner, bladeless fans, and high-speed hand dryers—are technical marvels that represent a complete rethinking of how these products could work. Instead of merely improving existing designs, Dyson deconstructed systems entirely, reimagining them from the ground up.
“Systems thinkers like Dyson are better equipped to understand the complexities and interdependencies associated with any challenge,” says Dr. Cameron. "They can foresee potential issues before they arise and design robust and adaptable solutions."
Dr. Cameron highlights two key factors behind Dyson’s success. “First, Dyson has been exceptionally keen to apply aerodynamics to a range of products, whether it be hairdryers, vacuum cleaners, or fans,” he says. Aerodynamics is a classic example of a system property where small changes can lead to large nonlinear effects.
The second factor Dr. Cameron points out is Dyson’s willingness to explore entirely new architectures. “Take the Dyson Air Multiplier™ fan—there are no traditional blades. To explore a completely different architecture like that requires courage and deep systems thinking,” Dr. Cameron explains.
Instead of anchoring on traditional fan designs, Dyson figured out how the new parts would interact. With a conventional fan, you know how big the bearing around the motor needs to be or how close the blades can be to the cage without interference. With Dyson’s bladeless fan, these familiar reference points didn’t exist. This ability to innovate with entirely new systems is at the heart of Dyson’s remarkable success.
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3. Diane Greene .jpg?width=390&height=260&name=Diane_Greene_-_TechCrunch_Disrupt_SF_2016_-_Day_2_(29036999614).jpg)
Diane Greene, cofounder of VMware, revolutionized enterprise computing by recognizing the potential for software to "virtualize" hardware. This insight led to the development of virtual machines, allowing multiple operating systems to run on a single physical server.
Greene’s systems thinking approach transformed IT infrastructure by enabling companies to optimize resources, reduce costs, and increase scalability. Her work laid the foundation for modern cloud computing, reshaping how businesses deploy and manage technology. By reimagining the entire ecosystem, Greene helped create a more flexible and efficient approach to computing.
(Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
4. Dean Kamen.jpg?width=390&height=261&name=Dean_Kamen_(553144443).jpg)
Dean Kamen is an American engineer whose work spans transformative innovations in mobility and healthcare. Known for inventing the Segway and the iBOT wheelchair, Kamen takes a systems-oriented approach to problem-solving, focusing on creating practical solutions for real-world challenges. His designs are built to address not only immediate needs but also broader issues, such as accessibility and user empowerment.
The iBOT wheelchair, for example, revolutionized mobility for individuals with disabilities, offering features that allowed users to navigate stairs and uneven terrain. This focus on expanding possibilities, rather than simply improving existing technology, defines Kamen’s work. His medical devices and inventions aim to address gaps in current systems, making solutions more efficient and accessible to those who need them most.
(Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
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5. Yoky Matsuoka
Yoky Matsuoka, a leader in robotics and AI, helped shape the vision for the Nest Learning Thermostat by applying systems thinking to smart home technology. Matsuoka's expertise influenced the technology’s adaptive learning capabilities, which allowed it to optimize energy use based on user behavior, weather, and time of day. Her approach considered the thermostat as part of a broader home ecosystem, with the ability to learn and evolve over time. This focus on adaptability highlights how systems thinking can turn everyday products into dynamic, self-improving solutions.
(Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
6. Gordon Murray.jpg?width=325&height=468&name=Gordon_Murray_chats_in_the_paddock_behind_the_pits_at_the_1996_Le_Mans_(51816281021).jpg)
Automotive engineer Gordon Murray is renowned for his groundbreaking approach to vehicle design, particularly his focus on reducing weight to improve performance. Known for designing the McLaren F1 and the T.33, Murray recognized that raw power alone wasn’t enough to enhance performance.
Instead, he saw weight reduction as a key factor that would not only make vehicles faster but also more agile, efficient, and responsive. His systems-thinking approach centered on how every element of the vehicle—from materials to layout—could contribute to a lighter, more dynamic driving experience.
Dr. Cameron notes that Murray’s work on the T.33 exemplifies how systems thinking involves optimizing systems rather than individual parts. “It was designed with a focus on reducing margins, carefully balancing performance and weight,” he notes.
He continues, “The team thought carefully about how components interact—notably in tuning the roof resonance to amplify induction noise for the driver and in combining the starter and alternator’s functionality into a single unit. This level of optimization wouldn’t be possible without systems thinking.”
(Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
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7. Shigeru Uehara
Shigeru Uehara, the lead engineer behind the original Honda NSX, played a pivotal role in redefining the sports car industry through a systems-thinking approach that balanced performance, reliability, and user experience.
Uehara's vision was to create a vehicle that delivered high performance on par with European supercars without compromising comfort, drivability, or affordability. He understood that a true engineering achievement required more than raw power—it needed to harmonize various elements, from aerodynamics to weight distribution, in a way that enhanced the entire driving experience.
Under Uehara’s leadership, the NSX became known for its innovative use of lightweight materials, including an entirely aluminum body, which was revolutionary at the time. Uehara's attention to how each component of the car worked together created a vehicle that handled like a sports car but could be driven daily, making it a standout example of how systems thinking can bridge the gap between high performance and practicality.
The Role of System Thinking in Today’s World
Dr. Cameron emphasizes that thinking in systems is essential in today’s business, which is more complex and interconnected than ever.
When systems thinking is absent, it becomes significantly harder to bring new ideas to market. “Everything feels like firefighting,” says Dr. Cameron, “with consequences popping up seemingly out of nowhere because we don’t understand the dynamics that drive the system.”
While systems thinking is commonly associated with product development, Dr. Cameron highlights that it can also be applied to organizational structures, supply chains, and even ecosystems like the Apple App Store or UberX Share. “Understanding how different elements within these systems interact enables one to improve processes, optimize resource use, and increase overall resilience and adaptability,” he says.
Without a holistic approach, companies may find themselves constantly reacting to problems rather than anticipating them. Dr. Cameron points to big tech layoffs after rapid hiring pushes or Lyft’s delay in offering restaurant delivery during the height of the pandemic as examples of what happens when organizations fail to consider the full system and the long-term impact of decisions.
Learn Systems Thinking at MIT xPRO
Thinking in systems has proven time and again to be the key to solving complex challenges and driving innovation. Whether you're looking to apply this mindset to product development, organizational strategy, or any other aspect of your work, the skills gained from understanding systems can transform how you approach problems.
If you’d like to take the next step in learning systems thinking, MIT xPRO has a couple of courses that might interest you.
Click here to learn more about MIT PRO’s System Thinking course.