Systems thinking your way to more consistent ai design
AI’s shoved its way into design processes, superfast.
The good news: AI is just a layer on top of an established system that’s been around since the late 1960s. While it may seem like AI changes everything, there’s a unseen system that’s carried software development for 60+ years and it can help us avoid AI generated franken-products that look okay, but still feel off.
$375
Date
Wednesday, November 4th, 2026
Time
1:00 - 4:00 PM EST, 3 hours
Format
Intensive session, online
Cancel up to 7 days before the workshop for a full refund.
Session overview
AI is just a layer on top of an old system
In this intensive session, you’ll learn about a foundational systems thinking concept, the data object, and how AI is simply an abstraction over a 60-year-old system that won’t change even as technology on top of it changes; and how to use this knowledge to ground your AI in your actual system and create more consistent prototypes, content, and designs.
AI
DATA
LOGIC
UI
What you’ll leave with
New ways of working
A new way of thinking
Learn a work-changing concept of systems thinking for people who build and design products
The context AI is built on
Remove a some of the mystery for how AI generates prototypes and apps.
Build a lightweight "context layer"
Start defining a "context layer" based off your own product.
A context-layer.md
A markdown document you can use in your own org.
Agenda
A focused three-hour intensive
Short teaching blocks alternate with practical exercises, discussion, and feedback. Bring a real content challenge if you have one.
01
AI as another abstraction layer
Understand the broader system AI sits on top of and what that means for building with AI.
Exercise: identify issues with an AI generated prototype
02
The 60+ year old system
Learn about the data layer, where it came from, and how it translates into a UI.
Exercise: practice identifying objects and attributes in real UIs
03
Build a context layer
Using objects, start defining an lightweight context layer that you will turn into markdown and use to add guidance to your LLMs.
Takeaway: A markdown doc thats yours to bring back to your work.
Included with your seat
Lightweight context layer
A context-layer.md
Lifetime recording access
Good to know
There are two 5-minute breaks.
Your instructor
Dave Connis
Founder, System Design Lab.
Dave has spent more than a decade designing developer-focused tools. His expertise is taking complicated technical systems, and explaining them in a way that everyone can connect with. His workshops translate deep theory into simple tools you can use Monday morning.
10+ years across product design and organizational systems
Former design lead and educator at global product teams
Practical methods tested with designers, writers, and PMs
Leveling up systems thinking for teams at
What practitioners say
Methods that change your work
"Dave changed the way I approach building products. It wasn't just tools or methods-it unlocked better ways of thinking."
João Conceição
Lead Product Designer · PandaDoc
"He breaks down complex ideas around systems thinking in ways that make them much less daunting to apply every day."
Kristin Terpeza
Content Designer · Audible
"Doing one of Dave's courses changed how I design-and with it, the trajectory of my career."
Sophie Benjamin
Lead Conversation Designer · Canva
Frequently asked questions
Before you join
November 4th · Online
Systems thinking your way to better AI DESIGN
Learn the language AI uses to build apps to build better apps.
$375
Date
Wednesday, November 4th, 2026
Time
1:00 - 4:00 PM EST, 3 hours
Format
Intensive session, online
Cancel up to 7 days before the workshop for a full refund.