Savvy Avi

Jay Forrester , the founder of System Dynamics, a man regarded by many as a legend, was a guest lecturer in SDM ’s System Design class. At 92, Forrester is still relentless at finding the true implications of public policies through system dynamic simulations and working to correct policy. His work in the 70’s and onwards on the limits to growth led him to believe that people are consuming and growing beyond the world’s capacity and that disastrous consequences will follow. The implication of this belief is harsh; humanity should stop striving for growth and instead maintain a net growth of zero. Most extreme opinions are a product of dichotomous “black and white” thinking. This case is entirely different. Extensive research, innovation and his boldness to face an unpleasant revelation created this extreme view. Forester realizes that it is futile to lobby for such changes. Policy makers cannot radically change the direction of policy without a strong support of constituents. T...

eMbrace venture which I am a part of started as a project in Product Design and Development class. It is mentioned in the last SDM pulse in an article by the class's professor Qi Van Eikema Hommes: “one team in this year’s class started out with a technology—an RFID tracking device—rather than a need. Team members wanted to design a web-based system to track everything from documents to parts and information. In class, the students were urged to find out why the world would want their system. Using techniques learned in class, they interviewed and observed people, ultimately identifying a need among parents who sometimes lose their young children in busy areas. The team felt that these parents would like anyone who finds their child to be able to contact them quickly. Based on this need, the students developed an attractive RFID bracelet for kids and a companion web-based tracking system. The team is now exploring the possibility of collaborating with Verizon to produce such a sy...