Exploring the process of whole system design.

Date

2010

Advisors

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

ISSN

0142-694X

Volume Title

Publisher

Elsevier

Type

Article

Peer reviewed

Yes

Abstract

This paper explores the adoption of a whole system approach to a more sustainable and innovative design. A case study methodology was utilised to gain improved understanding of whole system design and those factors that substantially influence its success. The paper presents a framework of those factors including the requirement for trans-disciplinary skills, the dynamics of a flattened hierarchy and the need to identify relationships between parts of the system to ultimately optimise the whole. Knowing the factors that influence the process of whole system design provides designers with the knowledge necessary to more effectively work within, manage and facilitate that process. This paper uses anecdotes taken from operational cases, across design contexts, to demonstrate those factors.

Description

Keywords

Citation

Charnley, F., Lemon, M. and Evans, S. (2010) Exploring the process of whole system design. Design Studies, 32 (2), pp. 156-179

Rights

Research Institute