Next workshops & courses

Building Type Systems with Benoît Bodhuin

Workshop / 17 & 18 April 2026, 10-14h CEST

Why draw letters when you can build systems? Join world-renowned type designer Benoît Bodhuin for a deep dive into his striking architectures of modular typography. This workshop is a masterclass in visual systems. Whether you’re a seasoned typographer or a graphic designer looking for a fresh edge, Benoît will inspire you to see and build type systems in a whole new way.

Turning Figma into a FVS machine with Ricardo Lodroño

Workshop / 24 & 25 April 2026, 14-17h CEST

Using Figma to design Flexible Visual Systems (FVS) is a real superpower. FVS and Figma expert Ricardo Lodroño has developed a powerful workflow that harnesses the full potential of Figma’s tools to create stunning visual identities. In this workshop, he gives you a first glimpse of these amazing possibilities.

Deep Dive: Turning Figma into a FVS machine

Course / 7 May – 11 June 2026, Thursdays, 15-17:30h CEST

A six-week live course on how to turn Figma into a generative design partner, saving you time and giving you more flexibility and control. This course introduces Figma as an environment for building visual systems, aimed at graphic designers working with flexible brand and identity languages rather than isolated deliverables.

Re-Design Your Focus — Time Management with Donald Roos

Workshop / 8 & 22 May 2026, 15–17h CEST

Doing a lot and being busy doesn’t mean you get a lot done. Most professionals don’t have a time problem—they have a priority problem. Join best-selling author Donald Roos to turn his famous “To-Don’t List” philosophy into your personal career roadmap. Over two afternoons, you’ll audit your current path, kill the distractions, and build a precision-engineered plan for what actually matters. Don’t work harder—work with a better system.

Publishing Books with Elio Salichs from TwoPoints.Net

Workshop / 13 & 15 May 2026, 16–18h CEST

Have you ever thought about publishing a book but didn’t know how? Then this workshop is for you. Elio Salichs from TwoPoints.Net—authors, editors, and designers of more than 30 design, architecture, and art books—will explain the process and help you develop your own publishable idea.

Deep Dive: Making Book Ideas A Reality

Course / 10 June – 15 July 2026, Wednesdays, 16–18h CEST

A six-week live course on how to pitch a book idea, sign a contract and get the book done. This course is for designers and creatives who want their book ideas to get published—and to use that publication to advance their careers. You’ll learn how a published book can lead to teaching invitations, international talks, workshops, and high-value client work.

Turning Figma into a FVS machine with Ricardo Lodroño

Workshop / 4 & 5 September 2026, 14-17h CEST

Using Figma to design Flexible Visual Systems (FVS) is a real superpower. FVS and Figma expert Ricardo Lodroño has developed a powerful workflow that harnesses the full potential of Figma’s tools to create stunning visual identities. In this workshop, he gives you a first glimpse of these amazing possibilities.

Building Type Systems with Benoît Bodhuin

Why draw letters when you can build systems? Join world-renowned type designer Benoît Bodhuin for a deep dive into the architecture of modular typography. This workshop is a masterclass in visual systems. Whether you’re a seasoned typographer or a graphic designer looking for a new edge, Benoît will show you how to turn a set of simple constraints into a creative powerhouse.

Dates:
Session 1: 4-6 PM CET, 10.4.2026
Session 2: 4-6 PM CET, 17.4.2026

Price:
250€ + VAT

Turning Figma into a FVS Machine with Ricardo Lodroño

Stop wrestling with static frames and start building living systems. In this intensive two-afternoon sprint, Ricardo pulls back the curtain on using Figma as a powerhouse for Flexible Visual Systems (FVS). You won’t just learn the features; you’ll learn how to architect dynamic workflows that bridge the gap between complex system design and daily production. Transform Figma from a simple canvas into your most strategic design partner.

Dates:
Session 1: 4-6 PM CET, 17.4.2026
Session 2: 4-6 PM CET, 24.4.2026

Price:
250€ + VAT

Publishing Books with Elio Salichs from TwoPoints.Net

Have you ever thought about publishing a book but didn’t know how? Then this workshop is for you. Elio Salichs from TwoPoints.Net—authors, editors, and designers of more than 30 design, architecture, and art books—will explain the process and help you develop your own publishable idea.

Dates:
Session 1: 4-6 PM CET, 10.4.2026
Session 2: 4-6 PM CET, 17.4.2026

Price:
250€ + VAT

Re-Design Your Professional Focus with Donald Roos

Are you busy, or are you actually moving forward? Most professionals don’t have a time problem—they have a priority problem. Join best-selling author Donald Roos to turn his famous “To-Don’t List” philosophy into your personal career roadmap. Over two afternoons, you’ll audit your current path, kill the distractions, and build a precision-engineered plan for what actually matters. Don’t work harder—work with a better system.

Dates:
Session 1: 4-6 PM CET, 3.4.2026
Session 2: 4-6 PM CET, 10.4.2026

Price:
250€ + VAT

What is the
School of Systems?

Sign up for our
School of Systems mailing list
and keep informed about our next steps.

In 2021, the book Flexible Visual Systems was published. On the back cover of the first version, we displayed a nondescript diagram of a curriculum, the curriculum for a school of systems. In 2026, five years and six editions later, we are making it a reality. The School of Systems will start small, but it has big ambitions. 

Starting with offering you exciting courses taught by the best design educators worldwide, we will go beyond traditional design education, opening professional pathways across all areas of system design. 

  • You can sign up for our mailing list to keep informed about our next steps. 
  • If you have any questions that are not covered by the information on this website, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
  • Please help us to understand what you would like us to offer, and fill in the questionnaire.

We are also on Instagram

Teachers:
Benoît Bodhuin
Ricardo Lodroño
Donald Roos
Elio Salichs
Lupi Asensio

We are currently working with these designers on system-related courses. The syllabus and registration deadline will be released soon. If you do not want to miss any updates, please sign up for our mailing list.

Coordination

The School of Systems is a (very) small group of people who deeply care about education as a result of social interaction. We are not a big corporation with no face, and we do not offer pre-recorded material to make you study in isolation. We are building learning communities around system design. If you have any questions that our FAQ does not answer, do not hesitate to contact our lovely Franziska: franziska(at)schoolofsystems.org

Franziska’s deep curiosity for how people connect and create meaning together led her to bring people together. With stations at Fontshop, Monotype, and Adobe, she worked at the intersection of visual design, community, and creative technology.

Academic Direction

Martin is the grandson, son, and nephew of teachers. His escape plan from this family tradition was to become a graphic designer. He was only partly successful. While founding the design Studio TwoPoints.Net with Lupi Asensio and raising two boys, he wrote a doctoral dissertation on systems in design, which led to the longseller Flexible Visual Systems, translated into English, Spanish, and Japanese. Martin became a teacher in 2003. He has taught at dozens of European Universities since then. You can contact Martin at: martin(at)schoolofsystems.org

Founding the School of Systems is a dream coming true. Martin already fantasised about the curriculum of a design school based on a systemic lens on the world when working on his doctoral thesis. This may sound very ambitious, and it is, but it is early days, and we will give the School of Systems enough time to emerge.

What is the School of Systems?
The School of Systems is a learning platform for designers, creatives, and professionals interested in understanding and applying systems thinking in design. We offer live courses that combine practical exercises, real-world examples, and opportunities to connect and grow with a creative community.

Why should I join a course?
To learn practical design and systems-thinking skills from experienced instructors.
To receive direct feedback on your work and develop your skills effectively.
To connect with a community of like-minded creatives and find inspiration.
To practice on real projects and apply your knowledge beyond theory.
To structure your creative practice and stay motivated.

Who are the courses for?
Our courses are designed for designers, creative professionals, and anyone interested in learning about design and business systems, whether you are a beginner or experienced practitioner.

How long are the courses?
Courses run for 6 weeks, with one live session per week. Each session lasts 1.5–2 hours and includes input from the instructor as well as practical exercises.

What languages are the courses taught in?
All courses are taught in English.

How many participants are there per session?
Sessions typically have 15–20 participants to ensure meaningful interaction and personalized feedback.

What do I need to participate (tech, software, camera, microphone)?
You need a computer with a stable internet connection, a webcam, a microphone, and the software required for the course (details are provided before the session). And pen and paper!

Which platforms do you use for live sessions and the course?
We primarily Google Meet for live sessions. All course materials and resources are hosted on Google.

What happens if I can’t attend a scheduled session?
Courses are designed to be live and interactive, so recordings are generally not available. If you cannot attend a session, please inform us in advance, and we can discuss possible alternatives on a case-by-case basis.

Can I ask questions or get feedback on my work during the course?
Absolutely. Courses are interactive, and instructors provide feedback on exercises and projects during the live sessions. In some courses, participants also have the opportunity to post exercises and projects in the course community to receive additional feedback.

Is there supporting material or assignments between sessions?
Yes, courses include assignments, exercises, and reading materials to reinforce learning between sessions.

Can I connect with other participants?
Yes, we encourage networking and provide channels for communication, discussion, and collaboration.

Can I stay in touch or collaborate on projects after the course?
Yes, participants are welcome to continue engaging with the community and collaborate on projects beyond the course.

Will I receive an invoice?
Yes, invoices are provided for all course payments.

Can I cancel or reschedule a course?
Yes, cancellations and rescheduling are possible. Please check our policy for deadlines and terms.

Will I receive a certificate of completion?
Not at the moment, but we may consider offering certificates in the future.