A Complex Systems Perspective on Collaborative Design

Abstract

Collaborative design is challenging because strong interdependencies between design issues make it difficult to converge on a single design that satisfies these dependencies and is acceptable to all participants. Current collaborative design processes are typically characterized by (1) multiple iterations and/or heavy reliance on multi-functional design reviews, both of which are expensive and time-consuming, (2) poor incorporation of some important design concerns, typically later life-cycle issues such as environmental impact, as well as (3) reduced creativity due to the tendency to incrementally modify known successful designs rather than explore radically different and potentially superior ones.