Systems Engineering Design

Systems Engineering Design (SED) is a powerful design approach to get from a semi-unstructured multi-stakeholder set of vague and messy goals and needs to a well-defined set of requirements and complementary socio-technical systems. In this course a best fit for common purpose design methodology to design for complex interconnected systems using multi-objective optimization techniques. Within this approach both the subject preference function model (human) and the physical object behavior model (engineering asset) will be integrated. In other words, to design socio-technical systems one needs a sound and integrative mathematical approach (open glass box modelling) to support participatory decision making on new engineering artefacts (open source participation and open ended system theory).

It will be demonstrated that this best fit for common purpose design methodology also can be used for Project management and/ or Operations management planning applications.

The alternative view within this course is to combine multi-objective (non-)linear systems optimization and the theory preference function modeling in a constructivist design methodology, using mathematical simulation and modelling. This Open Design Systems approach is distinctive from pure engineering optimization methods. Within this approach the main concepts of systems design for tY-s, decision and development are linked with a self chosen System of Interest (SoI):

1. Systems theory and thinking and design as problem (dis)solving;

2. Hard engineering asset systems (technical-physical) vs. soft human management

systems (social);

3. A posteriori multi-actor design decision systems;

4. A priori multi-actor design decision systems;

5. Non-linearity in mathematical models for design/decision systems;

6. Best fit for common purpose.

For more course info see : https://www.open-design.school/

This course has a constructivist character, in which the student is guided and encouraged to develop open design knowledge en solutions (‘openings’) using the self-chosen System of Interest (SoI) as a connective and practicing vehicle enabling the Open Design Learning (ODL) response.

The SoI can a transportation-, water management-, energy infrastructure and/or a real-estate system.