The Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation (MBRCGI), in collaboration with the UK’s Design Council, has launched an Arabic version of the Systemic Design Toolkit. This resource aims to support governments and individuals in adopting a holistic, structured design approach to tackle global challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions.
Structured Innovation for Global Impact
The Arabic Systemic Design Toolkit features 11 tools that align with the Systemic Design Framework, which enables users to approach complex issues with long-term, integrated strategies. Designed for accessibility across Arabic-speaking communities, the toolkit focuses on creative yet practical methods to address pressing global concerns—such as climate change, biodiversity loss, urban growth, and public service improvement.
- Framework Themes:
- Orientation and Vision Setting: Defines direction and future goals
- Explore: Analyses current systems and root causes
- Reframe: Encourages new perspectives on challenges
- Create: Develops and tests innovative solutions
- Catalyse: Engages communities through impactful narratives
- Continue: Sustains and scales implemented innovations
The toolkit’s tools are designed to be flexible, ensuring effective implementation and measurable impact in line with modern governance needs.
Strengthening Innovation Through Partnerships
Abeer Tahlak, Director of MBRCGI, underscored the initiative’s alignment with the UAE’s “We the UAE 2031” vision. She noted that the toolkit supports the country’s ambition to foster a global innovation ecosystem by empowering communities and institutions with scalable, sustainable design methodologies.
“Our partnership with the Design Council and the development of this Arabic toolkit reflect MBRCGI’s commitment to practical innovation and global collaboration. We are dedicated to introducing future-ready tools and modern technologies that improve work models and community life,” Tahlak stated.
Minnie Moll, CEO of the Design Council, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s inclusive reach:
“We are delighted to collaborate with MBRCGI in making the Systemic Design Toolkit accessible to Arabic speakers. This move ensures that thousands more designers and innovators can adopt the systemic tools necessary to address today’s most urgent challenges, especially the climate emergency.”
Toolkit Highlights and Future Availability
The 11 tools in the Arabic Systemic Design Toolkit span the entire creative development process—from ideation to long-term execution:
- Design for Planet: Promotes sustainable design principles
- Team Roles: Clarifies responsibilities and improves collaboration
- Future Vision: Guides long-term strategy setting
- Stakeholder Ecosystem: Maps out influence and engagement
- Root Cause Analysis: Identifies underlying system issues
- Different Perspectives: Sparks creative problem reframing
- Deep Reflection: Encourages critical thinking and insight
- Portfolio of Ideas: Supports solution development and iteration
- Unintended Consequences: Prepares for potential negative outcomes
- Radical New Narratives: Drives transformation through storytelling
- Regenerative Business Canvas: Builds resilient, sustainable business models
The full Arabic version will be accessible via Ibtekr, MBRCGI’s official digital platform. This launch marks a major milestone in advancing design-led innovation across the UAE and the wider Arab world, helping institutions craft practical, systemic solutions to modern global challenges.