Systematic design refers to a process of design that looks not only at the problem that needs to be overcome, but also at the surrounding environment (natural and anthropogenic), and other systems that are linked to the problem. As such, systematic design is the basis for a lot of appropriate technology. Trial and error, and technological evolution are other methods of arriving at a solution appropriate for a system - these are often the basis for vernacular technology. Systematic design, on the other hand, tries to eliminate the time required for these processes, and create a solution in one go. In reality, some combination of approaches is the best - ie. systematic design with prototyping.
Systematic design doesn't only apply to technological design, but also to architecture and planning, and broader social system design.
Systematic design approach[edit | edit source]
Systematic design, as opposed to modern design and engineering, looks a a lot of things that the latter generally ignores. these things include:
- Environment:
- Regional climate/microclimate
This includes water, sun, wind, precipitaiton,
- Social situation:
- User's economic position
- Local social and cultural social and cultural environment
Processes[edit | edit source]
Systematics design requires first an intimate understanding of the situation that the problem is in - by way of in depth analysis of the surrounding systems and environments. The process also requires an understanding of the synthesis of the interlinked systems - not just what they are and what they do, but how they work together.
