The impact of toolkits in international development

In June 2025, seven studios from the Reach Network contributed stories and reflections on the engagements they have had with system transformations. Our journey into system transformation revealed a fundamental truth: it’s about looking beyond isolated problems to understand interconnected challenges. For those designing solutions, this means shifting from fixing individual parts to engage with the system as a whole. For everyone, it’s about asking: What are the hidden connections, and how do changes ripple through the whole? Working systemically demands a particular way of thinking. It's about embracing curiosity, humility, and a willingness to collaborate across diverse perspectives. We observed the value of going broad in our understanding before diving deeper into specific areas. One helpful analogy that emerged was that of a gardener, nurturing growth and working with natural systems rather than simply trying to fix broken elements.

The Reach network invited reflection, sharing, and connection through A Field Researcher’s “Guide” to Field Research–a collection of stories of decisions, pivots, and instincts that often go unnoticed, offering space to revisit and learn from them. Bringing together diverse perspectives sparks new insights, surfaces memories, and deepens understanding of ourselves as researchers. How can these shared stories continue to guide the way we work in the field?

About developing approaches to consistently evaluate and expand your view of your work.