Short answer
Adopt a 'system component' mindset, viewing components as integrated functional units that can span hardware, software, and human/organizational elements, rather than isolated technical parts.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- Proceedings of the IEEE (2007)
- Method
- Conceptual analysis and industry practice review
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Modern complex systems necessitate a broader definition of 'component' that integrates hardware, software, and even human or organizational elements to achieve coherent functionality. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2007 study published in Proceedings of the IEEE. Using Conceptual analysis and industry practice review, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Adopt a 'system component' mindset, viewing components as integrated functional units that can span hardware, software, and human/organizational elements, rather than isolated technical parts.
Evolving the 'Component' Concept Beyond Hardware and Software
Modern complex systems necessitate a broader definition of 'component' that integrates hardware, software, and even human or organizational elements to achieve coherent functionality.
Proceedings of the IEEE · 2007
Key Findings
- 01The traditional 'interchangeable part' concept of components is inadequate for modern ICT.
- 02Components in ICT can encompass multiple uses, opportunistic combinations, design by assembly, and incremental evolution.
- 03A 'system component' perspective, integrating hardware, software, and human/organizational elements, is crucial for managing complexity.
- 04Rethinking componentization requires moving beyond the idea that components are exclusively hardware or software, or solely the responsibility of individual firms.
Application
Design takeaway
Adopt a 'system component' mindset, viewing components as integrated functional units that can span hardware, software, and human/organizational elements, rather than isolated technical parts.
How to apply
When designing complex systems, consider how human workflows or organizational structures can be integrated as part of a functional component, rather than treating them as external factors.
Project actions
- 01When defining components for your design project, consider if any human interaction or organizational process is essential for that component's function.
- 02Explore how different parts of your project (e.g., a physical device and its user interface) can be thought of as a single, integrated system component.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a forward-looking perspective on componentization.
- +Addresses the increasing complexity of modern technological systems.
Limitations
The concept of integrating human and organizational elements can be challenging to define and implement precisely within a technical design project.
Reliability & validity
The paper's validity stems from its conceptual argument and analysis of industry trends. Reliability would depend on consistent application of the 'system component' definition across diverse contexts.
Think critically
How might the 'system component' approach impact the traditional roles and responsibilities within design and development teams?
Design Principles
"Design for integrated functionality: Components should be conceived as cohesive units of functionality that may encompass diverse elements beyond traditional hardware or software."
Traditional views of components as solely hardware or software units are insufficient for today's interconnected and complex technological landscapes. Embracing a more holistic 'system component' perspective allows for greater flexibility, adaptability, and innovation in design and development.
What This Means for Your Design
Think of components not just as physical parts or software code, but as complete functional pieces that can include people and processes working together.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this paper when discussing the modularity or system architecture of your design, particularly if your project involves integrating hardware, software, and user interaction.
- 2.Use the 'system component' concept to justify your design choices for how different parts of your solution work together.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The concept of a 'component' has evolved significantly from its origins in mass production. Contemporary complex systems, particularly in ICT, require a broader understanding of components as integrated 'system components' that encompass not only hardware and software but also human processes and organizational elements necessary for coherent functionality. This perspective moves beyond viewing components as isolated technical units and acknowledges their role within a larger, interconnected system.
Source
Proceedings of the IEEE
Rethinking Components: From Hardware and Software to Systems
journal · 2007
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about evolving the 'component' concept beyond hardware and software?
- Adopt a 'system component' mindset, viewing components as integrated functional units that can span hardware, software, and human/organizational elements, rather than isolated technical parts. Evidence: Proceedings of the IEEE (2007).
- Why does "Evolving the 'Component' Concept Beyond Hardware and Software" matter for design?
- Traditional views of components as solely hardware or software units are insufficient for today's interconnected and complex technological landscapes. Embracing a more holistic 'system component' perspective allows for greater flexibility, adaptability, and innovation in design and development.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Adopt a 'system component' mindset, viewing components as integrated functional units that can span hardware, software, and human/organizational elements, rather than isolated technical parts.
- What were the main findings?
- The traditional 'interchangeable part' concept of components is inadequate for modern ICT.. Components in ICT can encompass multiple uses, opportunistic combinations, design by assembly, and incremental evolution.. A 'system component' perspective, integrating hardware, software, and human/organizational elements, is crucial for managing complexity.. Rethinking componentization requires moving beyond the idea that components are exclusively hardware or software, or solely the responsibility of individual firms.
- What research method was used?
- Conceptual analysis and industry practice review.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2007 journal from Proceedings of the IEEE.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing complex systems, consider how human workflows or organizational structures can be integrated as part of a functional component, rather than treating them as external factors.
- What are the limitations?
- The paper is primarily conceptual and does not provide specific methodologies for implementing system components; the practical challenges of integrating human and organizational elements into technical components are not deeply explored.