A Systems Approach to Design: Research and Some Results

Abstract. A systems approach to design means designing from a holistic perspective. It is an approach focussed on understanding the functionality for which the system is designed for by keeping the focus on its need, context, and its intended lifecycle. This paper is focused on the need and current challenges of teaching engineering students a systems approach to design. The paper proposes definitions of five core concepts of a systems approach to design. Theses concepts are context, abstraction, trade-off, interdisciplinarity, and value. The paper also includes discussion on the findings of a survey of students and faculty on these fundamental concepts of system design