A design method using darwinian principles for Collaborative Problem-Solving Environments (CPSEs)

Abstract

Distributed computational CPSEs (Collaborative Problem-Solving Environments) offer a petri dish where we can keep records and track creative path-finding as never before. CPSEs will enable us to test hypotheses about the dynamics of creative problem-solving that could not be tested until now.This paper argues that Darwin's method, a daring break from the rationalistic straitjacket of his time, offers eight lessons for designers and users of CPSEs. By applying these eight lessons, CPSEs can more effectively support large scale, long-lived multi-Center and multi-project enterprises such as Mars research and mission planning. Web-based knowledge management, interactive visualization and collaborative control capabilities can evolve incrementally, transitioning into CPSEs, which will support scientists and designers to work in new ways.My hypothesis is that CPSEs will support a new revolution that could change the paradigm for scientific method. If this hypothesis is correct, then CPSEs could drive a paradigm change in the community of practice regarding what constitutes acceptable scientific method and design. I suggest that CPSE design itself may also require a new synthesis, a new way of looking at and engineering problems.