DESIGN (Systems)
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 878 ▶ |
| Object type | General information, Methodology or model |
- “The full scope of activities by which we attempt to construct systems that are adequate models of desirable man-made objects” (G. KLIR, 1993, p.30).
This implies that the “desirable artificial object can be constructed in such a way that relevant objective criteria are satisfied within given constraints” (Ibid).
The definitions of what is desirable and what are objective criteria are of course difficult to establish. Also, “objects” can be abstract: research projects, institutions, social systems modes of organization, etc.
This point is made by B. BANATHY: “Systems design in the context of social systems is a future creating disciplined enquiry. People engage in design in order to devise a model of a system, based on their vision of what should be. They seek to create a design that has a ”goodness or fit“ with their larger society and with their own expectations…
- “This approach is very different from the widely practiced traditional social planning, which reduces the problem to manageable pieces and seek solutions to each” (1992, p.548).
In accordance with BANATHY, ACKOFF writes: “To design a system is to develop a representation of a system that does not (yet) exist (1988, p.245).
Some important points should be noted:
- the design escapes from the dangers of ideological bias, if people, i.e. each and everyone of the “stakeholders” in the project effectively and personally participates in the design process.
- and if the whole area of possible situations is duly explored by the community of participants.
- experts are to be consulted when needed, but are not to be placed in the position of all powerful deciders.