The Logic of Deferring the Design Process

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to formulate theoretical foundations for deferring the IS design process to inform adaptable usage of deferred systems. A research agenda for Deferred System’s Design is set and a new system component, the System-System Environment Interface, is defined as the public interface through which a deferred system can maintain close coupling with the system environment. A Problem-solving and planning technique is suggested, the Deferred-Specified IT/IS Matrix, to aid software developers to position a proposed system development in the system environment. A systems analysis technique is suggested to identify deferment points in a given system design. The chapter identifies seven properties of deferred systems that software developers can use to inform adaptable system designs.