Beyond random: why systems behave in predictable ways

"Systems don't behave randomly. Systems behave based on their design. As a result, many systems, even those found in nature, exhibit frequent, common behaviors. Moreover, these behaviors will typically manifest the same problems and issues, so much so that we may even name and categorize them. These are sometimes called archetypes, but I prefer to call them familiar system mechanisms. For designers they are important to know, recognize, and avoid."

"Why Feedback Matters Feedback refers to the way systems communicate with individuals. By providing information about the system state and its performance, feedback enables the individual to make decisions (or evaluate system recommendations). It is perhaps one of the most important aspects of systems design. Feedback is critical for building system resilience; when errors occur, a system should give feedback about the error and allow for an immediate response to correct the error."

"Think about the simple act of adjusting your shower water temperature. You turn the handle, stick your hand in the water stream, and receive immediate feedback about whether you need to adjust further. This feedback loop - action, measurement, adjustment - is fundamental to how we interact with systems. But not all feedback is immediate. And that's where things get interesting."

Systems behave according to their design and therefore often exhibit frequent, common behaviors that manifest similar problems and issues. Many of these recurring patterns can be named and categorized as familiar system mechanisms. Recognizing familiar system mechanisms enables accurate prediction of system actions and helps position interventions where they have the greatest leverage. Feedback denotes how systems communicate their state and performance, enabling individuals to make decisions and evaluate recommendations. Effective feedback supports resilience by signaling errors and enabling immediate corrective responses. Feedback loops can be immediate, as in adjusting shower temperature, but many feedbacks are delayed.

Read at Medium