Search

Designed to focus attention on the design process in such computer science activities as information systems design, database design, and expert systems design, this paper examines three main phases of the design process: understanding the context of the problem, identifying the problem, and finding a solution. The processes that these phases involve, such as learning, reasoning, modeling, and creating, are identified and presented through the use of a model of mental representation which is built on the base of associated concepts. This model then provides a framework for studying the design approaches of the Open Systems Analysis and the EPAS/IPSO (Entree Processus Accumulation Sortie/Input Process Store Output) Approach. The former is given as an example of a well known conceptual approach which is purely functional; the latter is presented as a generalization of the Open Systems Analysis which includes the principle of autonomy of systems. The EPAS/IPSO Approach's applications are then related to the design of any kind of system: material, informational, organizational, biological, or temporal. Finally, the Generalized EPAS/IPSO Approach is introduced as a way to develop even more complex systems by providing conceptual tools to design expert systems. (Author/JB)