UW405
The Future of Work: Human Systems and Complexity
Faculty
Kristian Orozco
Founder and Director at Neruj Studio
Course length
Duration
Total hours
Credits
Language
Course type
Fee for single course
Fee for degree students
Skills you’ll learn
Overview
The future of work is increasingly shaped by complexity, interdependence, technological change, and new forms of collaboration. In this context, success depends not only on technical expertise but also on the ability to understand how people make sense of situations, build relationships, participate, coordinate action, and create outcomes together.
This course explores the future of work through the study of human systems. Students are introduced to Systemic Inquiry, a mode of inquiry that examines phenomena as part of a larger system rather than as isolated elements. Using the classroom as a living laboratory, students investigate how patterns of understanding, relationships, participation, and coordination shape collective performance, learning, and adaptation.
Drawing on systems thinking, complexity theory, organisational psychology, and the Systemic Inquiry Lens (SIL), the course combines conceptual foundations with hands-on inquiry practice, preparing students to contribute more effectively to the future of work.
Learning highlights
- Understand the key forces shaping the future of work.
- Explore why human systems matter in complex work environments.
- Learn how people create outcomes through relationships, participation, and coordination.
- Apply the Systemic Inquiry Lens (SIL) to real-world situations.
- Practise observing, inquiring, interpreting, integrating, and learning from human systems.
- Complete a team-based inquiry project using the classroom and external perspectives.
- Build practical capabilities for working across difference, uncertainty, and complexity.
Course outline
15 classes
Session 1
Future of Work and Human Systems in Complexity. Key Practice: Observe.
Session 2
Human Systems Produce Outcomes. Key Practice: Observe.
Session 3
Understanding: How People Make Sense of Situations. Key Practice: Observe.
Session 4
Relationships: How People Build Trust and Connection. Key Practice: Inquire.
Session 5
Participation: How People Contribute and Influence. Key Practice: Inquire.
Session 6
Coordination: How People Organise Collective Action. Key Practice: Inquire.
Session 7
Systems Thinking and Invisible Patterns. Key Practice: Interpret.
Session 8
Complexity and Emergence in Human Systems. Key Practice: Interpret.
Session 9
Inquiry as a Practice. Key Practice: Interpret.
Session 10
Inquiry Conversations and Field Research. Key Practice: Integrate.
Session 11
Pattern Recognition and Collective Sensemaking. Key Practice: Integrate.
Session 12
Clarity: Understanding Human Systems. Key Practice: Integrate.
Session 13
Patterns and Conditions in Human Systems. Key Practice: Learn.
Session 14
Future of Work Inquiry Workshop. Key Practice: Learn.
Session 15
Final Inquiry Summit and Reflection. Key Practice: Learn.
Course materials
Books
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Methodology
The course is delivered as a three-week intensive sprint of 15 sessions, combining:
* Interactive lectures and guided discussions
* Experiential exercises and simulations
* Individual reflection and System Journal entries
* Team-based inquiry project work
* Peer feedback and collective sensemaking
* Inquiry conversations and selected external interviews
* Final team presentations
Grading
Apply for this course
The Future of Work: Human Systems and Complexity
by Kristian Orozco
Total hours
45 Hours
Dates
Nov 30 - Dec 18, 2026
Fee for single course
€1500
Fee for degree students
€750
How to secure your spot
Complete the form below to kickstart your application
Schedule your Harbour.Space interview
If successful, get ready to join us on campus
FAQ
Will I receive a certificate after completion?
Yes. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate signed by the director of the program your course belonged to.
Do I need a visa?
This depends on your case. Please check with the Spanish or Thai consulate in your country of residence about visa requirements. We will do our part to provide you with the necessary documents, such as the Certificate of Enrollment.
Can I get a discount?
Yes. The easiest way to enroll in a course at a discounted price is to register for multiple courses. Registering for multiple courses will reduce the cost per individual course. Please ask the Admissions Office for more information about the other kinds of discounts we offer and what you can do to receive one.