Designing for mutability in information systems artifacts

Shirley Gregor, Juhani Iivari

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    16 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    This paper aims to extend understanding of the nature of information systems and technology (IS/IT) artifacts and the manner in which information systems design theories address the mutable nature of these artifacts. The term 'semizoa' is introduced to refer to IS/IT artifacts as mutable systems that exhibit some of the characteristics of living creatures and that are only in part designable. It is shown that the mutability of semizoa can be both constrained and enabled in IS design theories, using concepts of homeostasis, situated action, autopoiesis, learning, evolution, emergence and redesign. Consideration of the range and nature of these characteristics provides a source of ideas for systems designers in designing for specific IS meta-requirements. In addition, we show that IS design theories should include a reflective structural component dealing with the mutability of not only the system state but also its structure (schema). The paper contributes by addressing the lack of attention to the distinctive characteristics of IS/IT artifacts and by extending current ideas of design theories and theorising.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationInformation Systems Foundations
    Subtitle of host publicationTheory, Representation and Reality
    EditorsDennis N. Hart, Shirley D. Gregor
    PublisherANU Press
    Pages3-24
    Number of pages22
    ISBN (Electronic)9781921313134
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2007
    Event3rd Biennial Information Systems Foundations Workshop, WISF 2006 - Canberra, Australia
    Duration: 27 Sept 200628 Sept 2006

    Publication series

    NameInformation Systems Foundations: Theory, Representation and Reality

    Conference

    Conference3rd Biennial Information Systems Foundations Workshop, WISF 2006
    Country/TerritoryAustralia
    CityCanberra
    Period27/09/0628/09/06

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