Problem Solving Systems Theory: Implications for the Design of Socio-technological Systems
David W. Eccles and Paul T. Groth
This paper describes how socio-technological systems can be conceptualized as problem solving systems. Typically, such systems comprise multiple human and technological agents that must coordinate their activities in order to meet the demands imposed by problems. A key assertion is that the design of problem solving systems can benefit from an understanding of competence models of human-human and animalanimal coordination. Consequently, design principles for such systems are derived from a review of competent coordination in human groups, such as sport teams, and animal groups, such as wolf packs. Examples are then provided of real-world environments comprising problem solving systems wherein these principles could be applied.