The second aspect of KCIDE is the integration of systems thinking into every part of the curriculum. Traditionally, systems thinking is relegated to the systems engineers, with entire programs focused on delivering this methodology. While there will never be a need to eliminate systems engineers, the goal of increasing the time engineers have to innovate requires everyone to understand the systems into which they will integrate.

Systems thinking forces engineers to consider, not only how their designs and ideas will function, but also how they must interact with the greater systems they are part of. In absence of this understanding, engineers often create sub-optimal designs, requiring rework, engineering changes and wasted time and effort.

CSU has begun building basic systems ideology into its engineering curriculum. This includes an understanding of requirements, their management, and where they come from. CSU is perhaps one of the first universities to begin true integration of the CRADLE Systems Engineering software. Students, from mere freshmen on through doctoral candidates will be using tools such as CRADLE to enhance their project work.