Towards an Approach for a Conceptual System Design

Abstract

Complex adaptive systems are usually difficult to design and control. The design of complex adaptive systems often, if not always, occurs in a context that is uncertain. In addition to the complexity of the system, the systems both affect and are influenced by a social environment containing a large variety of actors. Methods and processes that study the design of such types of systems can help scholars and practitioners to better understand, design and manage complex adaptive systems. The aim in this paper is to provide a methodology useful for designing and controlling systems developed to solve complex adaptive problems. In this paper, the complex systems life cycle understanding and design framework are introduced as an approach for satisficing of systems at conceptual design. To illustrate the methodology, a financial systemic risks infrastructure systems architecture development case study is presented. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.