Systems
Definition
System
A way to think about structure and order in human, natural and built environments.
Systems thinking
- Systems thinking involves investigating sets of elements inside of one or more systems.
- Changes within systems generate changes in environments, which is why analysis through systems thinking ensures understanding of the everchanging nature of systems.
Digital systems
- Systems that are built and controlled by people and communities.
- Digital networks and devices are systems that can be:
- Small, such as those found in the home.
- Or on a much larger scale, such as the global internet.
Digital systems are not natural systems, they are built and controlled by people and communities.
Digital systems influencing physical systems
Physical systems, such as roads, trains, planes, are also being greatly influenced and changed by the use of digital systems.
AnalogyReflect on how digital systems influence physical space in topic 2.5 of this textbook.
Changes in systems
Consequences
Changes in systems lead to consequences:
- Intended consequences are the outcomes that are planned and desired when a change is made to a system.
- Unintended consequences are the outcomes of system changes that are not planned and happen spontaneously after a change is made.
Unintended consequences can be positive or negative.
Self review- Can you think of a technology that had unintended consequences? What were they?
- How can systems thinking help identify and mitigate unintended consequences?
