Systems and Systems Theory in Design

Instructor

Keiichi Sato

This class will provide an overview of system concepts, system theories, and systems methodologies as a foundation for design research and design thinking. Class hours will be allocated to lecture, discussion and presentation based on reading seminal and contemporary literatures, exercises and case studies. When we examine, develop and manage large-scale complex systems such as technical systems, economic systems, manufacturing systems, enterprise systems, service systems, societal systems, and ecological systems, systems concepts and approaches are ubiquitously used through out the development process. Yet the design of systems that involves uncertainty and complexity such as human elements needs further development of systems methodologies for effective problem-solving.

The class subject includes the following topics:

- Definition of system
- System models and roles of models
- System identification
- Closed and open systems
- Deterministic and stochastic system models
- System optimization
- Dynamical systems
- Structural models
- System architecture
- Human-centered system integration

Expected tasks are:
- Weekly readings and assignments
- Class discussion and presentation
- Final project report (3 weeks)

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