The role of visibility in systems*

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Veryard, Richard

Affiliations: James Martin Associates, Spa House, 11–17 Worple Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 4JS, UK

Note: [*] In draft form, this paper has been delivered at an internal Technical Conversation for Data Logic in 1984, and circulated as a working paper dated 1985. Love Bhabuta read (and decimated) the whole paper and Colin Tully pointed out the significance of the audit trail. Thanks are also due to other colleagues (and an anonymous referee) who provided feedback.

Abstract: Modern man is surrounded by procedural systems, often highly formalized and at least partially computerized. Systems are by their nature intangible and not directly visible. Indirect representation (via system models) is required to make a system visible, so that it can be properly understood, shaped and controlled.

Keywords: Design, participation, modelling, systems, visibility, open control

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-1986-6208

Journal: Human Systems Management, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 167-175, 1986