VARIETY GENERATOR
Charles François (2004). VARIETY GENERATOR, International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics, 2(2): 3737.
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(2) |
| ID | ◀ 3737 ▶ |
| Object type | Methodology or model |
A device which is capable of proliferating variety.
As stated by St. BEER such a device is: “… not necessarily a machine made of ironmongery”. He adds that it may be “… deliberately organized to generate (variety) for a purpose. … the purpose is not known in advance, although of course the kind of purpose is known” (1968, p.297).
A grid on a map is a good example: it differentiates locations, or at least permits their differentiation when needed. Any variety generator creates opportunities for selection within a wider pool of possibilities.