Using soft systems methodology as a methodology for multi-modal systems design

• The aim of this research is to contribute to the field of systems design by developing intellectual tools that can help designers to conceptualise, create and evaluate different design alternatives. In this work I focus my attention on Soft Systems Methodology. More specifically, I analyse how this methodology can develop its present methods for drawing out different perspectives of a particular problem situation. I also study its process for reaching agreement or consensus on objectives for the design and for evaluating different design alternatives. To address the above issues a framework of 15 dimensions, together with its related concept qualifying function, was incorporated into the different phases of SSM. The framework is based on human experience and developed by Herman Dooyeweerd. The lessons learnt form this is as follows. The framework provides a kind of control device for highlighting dimensions that are perceived as important as well as dimensions that might be lost when analysing a problem situation. It also strengthens the process of drawing out different perspectives and helps to indicate similarities and differences in focus between or within different groups of people. Further, it provides a way to compare different design alternatives as well as their consequences. Finally, it facilitates the model building, and strengthens the model validation.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Medie- och kommunikationsvetenskap -- Systemvetenskap, informationssystem och informatik med samhällsvetenskaplig inriktning (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Media and Communications -- Information Systems, Social aspects (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Informatik

Informatics

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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