Social System Design Lab Overview

 
 
We are experts in developing simulation models of problems facing complex social systems. A resource for students, professionals, and researchers, we help build the capacity of those who want to learn and apply system dynamics in order to understand and address specific problems within an organization and community. 

 

The Brown School's Social System Design Lab (SSD Lab) advances the science and field of system dynamics for human services including social work, education, health, and public health. We lead and collaborate on funded scientific research, conduct workshops and trainings on system dynamics, and provide technical assistance to nongovernmental organizations.

To date, our research has addressed:

  • community responses to domestic violence
  • mental health transformation
  • innovation implementation
  • natural resources and rural communities
  • obesity
  • juvenile/criminal justice systems

 

We are also actively involved in methodology including:

  • how to build system dynamics models with stakeholders using participatory, group model building techniques

 

  • how to develop advanced computational techniques for analyzing models and simulating implementation strategies within an organization or a community. 

 

Social work and public health students can participate in all that the SSD Lab has to offer, taking advantage of research assistantships, internships, and practica.

 
 
 

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