Terviklikku

Terviklikku is a term used in Estonian-language discourse to denote a holistic, integrative approach to analysis, planning, and design. It describes a way of thinking that treats systems as more than the sum of their parts, emphasizing interdependencies, context, and long-term outcomes rather than isolated components.

In practice, terviklikku approaches are applied across fields such as environmental planning, software engineering, education, and public policy. The core idea is to evaluate decisions and designs by considering multiple dimensions—social, technical, economic, ecological—and their interactions, rather than optimizing a single metric in isolation.

Examples include urban planning that integrates transportation, housing, green spaces, and community services; product development that aligns user needs with sustainability and affordability; and curricula that connect science, technology, and humanities.

Critics note that the holistic approach can be difficult to operationalize and measure, risking feature creep or diffusion of accountability. Proponents argue that it yields more resilient, adaptable outcomes by preventing siloed thinking. The concept aligns with broader ideas such as systems thinking and integrative design.