The document discusses the increasing complexity in physical and systems engineering, emphasizing the interaction between software and hardware within human systems. It highlights challenges faced by mediators in the integration process, addressing user needs and system reliability issues. The authors advocate for a new focus on 'mediation science' and integrative engineering to enhance the development and deployment of technology.

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Physical EngineeringComputation
Systems EngineeringSoftware Engineering
Increasing Complexity

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SW
HW
Mind
Body
Mind
affects
body
Body
affects
mind
SW
controls
HW
HW
hosts
SW
In the whole human,
where is Mind?
In the whole system,
where is SW?

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EngineeringComputation
Integrative Engineering
Increasing Complexity
Management

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7. Engineering,
Physics, Chemistry,
Computer Sciences,
Mathematics
Business, Management,
Politics, Warfare
Psychology, Sociology,
Organizational Science
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Systems Engineers,
Business Analysts,
IT implementers,
Systems Integrators
ArtifactsNeeds

8.  What ‘s on their plate:
 Emergent properties which are unacceptable to the user
 User’s needs have changed since system analysis phase
 System meets customer requirement but don’t serve user’s needs
 System level bugs make the system unreliable
 So the Integrators/Mediators are:
 hated by the users (together with the customer that “failed” the users)
 underestimated by the developers and managers– “they create nothing”
 could be saved by good systems engineering practices upstream but ... no
systems engineer is around to share the blame.
Prepared by:
Doug Cowper (Sula Systems Ltd)
Dr Michael Emes (University College London)
Prof Alan Smith (University College London)
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9. Mediators’ Science:
Socio-technology?
Engineering Systems?
Engineering,
Physics, Chemistry,
Computer Sciences,
Mathematics
Business, Management,
Politics, Warfare
Psychology, Sociology,
Organizational Science
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10. Collaboration
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Tasks
Deployment Transition to Use
Perceived Artifacts – Devices, Applications, Connections
Operational/Business Use
Communication
Engineered Artifacts – Hardware, Software, Systems, Symbolic
Engineering

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Systems are wholes – no more Mind-Body-HW-SW problem
Teach one Engineering, multiple technologies (SW,HW)
Focus both on the development and the use of technology
Develop “mediation science” and Integrative Engineering
Start with exploring how people “put systems to use”

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