Abstract:
The emergence of increasingly complex problems, combined with growing
concerns for the environment, is fuelling the demand for more innovative and
sustainable products, services and systems. Whole system design is one
approach that aims to integrate social, economic and environmental phenomena
into a comprehensive design solution. The approach encourages the
development of partnerships between actors from a variety of different
backgrounds, disciplines and sectors to develop an innovative, sustainable and
optimised solution at a whole system level. However, there is limited research
concerning the integrative process that actors are required to follow in order to
reach such a solution.
The aim of this study was to gain improved knowledge and understanding
surrounding the process of whole system design and to identify those factors that
influence its success. This was achieved in two phases; firstly a longitudinal case
study was undertaken which followed the process of whole system design from
beginning to end. 22 design and progress meetings were observed, 18 interviews
were carried out and a multitude of relevant documentation was analysed. This
resulted in the identification of 10 themes. The second phase of the research
aimed to validate initial findings by conducting 5 smaller cases and interviewing
11 individually selected experts. The study ultimately produced 8 confirmed
themes, 68 individual findings and 37 factors that enable and inhibit the process
of whole system design.
As a result of this study, an improved knowledge and understanding surrounding
the process of whole system design has been presented. In particular, findings
have been provided concerning: the development of partnerships, the pertinence
of human and non-human interaction, the requirement of individual
characteristics, enhanced understanding of purpose and process, the necessary
alignment of individual and organisational motivation, the necessity of sense
making activities, the role of a facilitator and the need for integration, each of
these within the context of whole system design. The framework of these findings
provides a novel contribution to knowledge within the context of whole system
design.