An evolutionary design methodology

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to elaborate on a design methodology for the resolution of problem situations concerning complex organizations with opposing and conflicting substructures and facing dramatic environmental fluctuations necessitating major changes in the basic characteristics of the organization. To this end the organization is itself taken as a design methodology system which demonstrates one instance of the application of the paradigm of dissipative structures to social systems. The proposed methodology, precisely because it is applicable in an evolutionary system, is called an evolutionary design methodology. The primary goal of this method is to oversee the emergence of the legitimation authority for “the truth” arising from linguistic games, or narration, developed during the application of the method. This question of legitimation is directly connected with critical thought, because it forces out the philosophical position of the problem solver. It reveals his beliefs about social order and social change. Therefore it is assumed that the perspective of this paper fits within “critical systems thinking.”