Systems Thinking

APPLYING THE ICEBERG MODEL

DACA Case Study

The iceberg model provides an organized way to look at the hot topic and breakdown the underlying history of it. By diving into the mental models, patterns, and structures, the model provides a better understanding of the landscape of DACA than a blanket statement of why things are not working. While the new perspective is good for obtaining a comprehensive and full picture view, it also highlights how many rooted issues you are unable to solve because of what is below the “water.” The issues that disable change: the US government legislation process and differing political opinions, are long withstanding challenges.

The reasoning for the inconclusive nature of the DACA decision results from a “kicking the can” mentality and pattern that legislators in Congress have known for.

All in all, the Iceberg Model provides a systematic approach to breaking down a problem. Whether it provides many avenues for problem solving is still unclear.

 
Problem: Every year in South Asia and Africa, more than 5.7 million jaundiced newborns go without treatment, risking permanent disability and death. Solution: Firefly’s high-powered double-sided lighting, compact size, and high-tech aesthetic make it the most effective phototherapy affordable for low-resource settings. Impact: Firefly is the first device designed to treat newborn jaundice in the mother’s room in rural clinics: the best context to reduce staff workload, support breastfeeding, and transform national healthcare systems. For more information, please visit the Project Firefly page at www.designthatmatters.org. Film Notes: Dassault Systemes SolidWorks and Small Army sent a film crew to rural Moc Chau District Hospital in the mountains of northern Vietnam to film Firefly newborn phototherapy in-use. The footage you see is primarily from the village of Moc Chau and it's hospital, with some additional clips from St Paul General Hospital in Hanoi. Moc Chau is a bumpy and steep 5-7-hour moped ride from the nearest national hospitals in Hanoi (search "Moc Chau, Vietnam" on google maps). You will see some individuals in traditional dress; Moc Chau is near the border with Laos where multiple ethnic minorities coexist, including the Hmong people.

UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL ENTERPRISE FUNCTIONS AS A SYSTEM

Firefly Case Study

  • Need: To treat infants suffering from jaundice

  • Users: Primary users are the infants and Secondary users are mothers

  • Context: In rural areas and developing countries where there are low-resource hospitals. Mothers and kids are in the same room.

 

MAPPING OUT THE SYSTEM & DIFFERENT STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVED

 

Using Meadows' framework about identifying leverages and places to intervene, we listed a few possible opportunities and places at which there could be interventions in the current system

  • Building a mindset of trust of using a new technology on infants

  • Having access to Firefly outside of the NICU

  • Making it an easy maintenance process and also how to maintain it