Setting the stage for the design of highly interactive systems

This paper introduces the design of systems as a new challenge for the de field of design. The ‘one person – one product’ dictum is left in favour of complex systems consisting of many ‘nodes’. A recent design experience is taken as a starting point for a designerly reflection on systems design which, through a cycle of observations and reflections, leads to the identification of four design challenges: (1) designing into systems the ability to grow, (2) loci of interaction are needed, both for control but also to perceive what a system is capable of, (3) a new dynamic form language is required that accommodates action-centric interaction and (4) the energy use of such systems is difficult to control. The four challenges open up new design opportunities. The paper comes full circle as it discusses the quest of new design skills to meet these opportunities.