TY - GEN
T1 - Designing for mutability in information systems artifacts
AU - Gregor, Shirley
AU - Iivari, Juhani
PY - 2007
Y1 - 2007
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=80051727966&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.22459/isftrr.11.2007.01
DO - 10.22459/isftrr.11.2007.01
M3 - Conference contribution
T3 - Information Systems Foundations: Theory, Representation and Reality
SP - 3
EP - 24
BT - Information Systems Foundations
A2 - Hart, Dennis N.
A2 - Gregor, Shirley D.
PB - ANU Press
T2 - 3rd Biennial Information Systems Foundations Workshop, WISF 2006
Y2 - 27 September 2006 through 28 September 2006
ER -