Open Design Methodologies. Exploring Architectural Practice for Systems Design

Abstract

This paper explores the commonalties of architecture and systems design, using the notion of open planning. The practice of open planning is explored as a way of preserving the strength and conceptual integrity of a design concept while at the same time keeping it open for evolving and changing requirements, and of interpreting and handling constraints in innovative ways. A small case of cooperative prototyping is used for examining in how far this notion of openness can be made fruitful for the design of computer systems. Four aspects are discussed: the role of inspirational objects, the relevance and difficulties of working along themes, extending the notion of placeholders to systems design, and the need for open and rich forms of communication.