This largest set of hieroglyphs weaves together many core concepts of Systems Thinking. It highlights how planetary boundaries and climate change can be approached with an understanding of structures and patterns of growth. Feedback loops reveal leverage points for transformation, showing how interconnected forces influence outcomes and how small shifts can generate lasting change. This section from the larger wall highlights the key concept of mental models, which John Sterman defines as “deeply held beliefs that limit our ability to see new ways of thinking.” 

The drawing titled “System Dynamics & Management” explores how we are embedded in larger systems, shaping projects dynamics and our approach to work. It was one part of the weeklong custom program on Technology and Business Acumen, which also covered strategy, leadership, digital solutions, and cost accounting. As part of a final wrap up, the professors reviewed the drawings to highlight certain themes across the 5-day program. 

Scribing—visually representing ideas while people talk—is a distinct social art form that facilitates group learning and cultural memory. Scribed images enhance the learning experience by mapping ideas as they emerge, aiding both decision-making and information retention. Scribes listen on multiple levels—factually, with empathy, and for emerging possibility—to simplify complex concepts and make them accessible. By providing a visual representation of the program's content, participants can revisit and reflect on key insights, ensuring that knowledge gained becomes both memorable and actionable. 

At MIT, scribing takes on additional depth through the deliberate integration of systems thinking and conceptual frameworks. Scribed drawings function as layered narratives, representing both specific stories and examples while simultaneously mapping interconnected ideas across domains. In the physical classrooms and in online digital experiences, participants can scan the visuals to discern key themes from faculty presentations alongside the related threads through an entire program. This transforms scribing from simple recording into a tool for systemic understanding and collective sense-making. 

The sequence of hieroglyphs that are on display around the E66 Suite each represent a theme within Custom and Open Enrollment Program designs. While just a sampling of the overall range of topics, the images on display represent:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Corporate Finance
• Digital Solutions
• Leadership
• Operations
• Quantum Computing
• Sustainability

We encourage you to find the other themes throughout the space.