Day: 24 January 2016

  • Design and Complexity

    Four areas where design and complexity interact – Johnson (2006). Many designed systems are complex e.g. aeroplanes, cities, information systems, organisations. Designers need to understand complex dynamic processes used to fabricate & manufacture products & systems – design, product & processes c0-evolve. Social & economic context of design is complex. Involves market economics, regulations, trends,…

  • Soft Systems Introduction

    Define and discuss Soft Systems approaches. Hard systems also known as mechanical systems – behaviours & boundaries can be successfully described in mechanical terms. Soft systems: fuzzy boundaries. Parts/elements difficult to identify. Hard systems thinking: maximise efficiency of system. Soft systems thinking: inclusive of different perspectives. Systems thinking assumes system has emergent properties & is…