Diagramming complex systems

1979 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 167-174
Author(s):  
Susan Marcus
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Computer Graphics ◽  
Complex Systems ◽  
Technical Information ◽  
Visual Design ◽  
Scientific And Technical Information ◽  
The People ◽  
Critical Problems ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Graphics Software

Computer graphics systems existing today allow for the manipulation of increasingly complex visual displays. The visualisation of information in a computer-based medium suggests solutions to two critical problems: first, the overabundance of alphanumeric information routinely generated by information systems and second, the expression complexity in situations that face the business and research communities. Graphic designers accustomed to handling complex scientific and technical information in a systematic and structural way offer a resource for the development of more effective presentations of computer-generated material. Certain graphic designers who specialise in informational graphics are interested in beginning a conversation with the people developing computer graphics software and firmware. The outcome of these dialogues would be the articulation and utilisation of the principles and elements of effective visual design.

Bibliographic Databases in Tribology

1985 ◽  
Vol 107 (3) ◽  
pp. 285-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. Fries ◽  
F. E. Kennedy
Keyword(s):  
Information Retrieval ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Technical Information ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
Complete Coverage ◽  
Retrieval Systems ◽  
Scientific And Technical Information ◽  
Information Retrieval Systems ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Available Information

It is important that the modern-day researcher and engineer stay abreast of technology in his field, but this task is made very difficult by the recent flood of scientific and technical information. Coping with the information explosion requires the use of computerized information systems. This paper reviews computer-based information retrieval systems in engineering and focuses specifically on databases of literature and information relevant to tribologists and lubrication engineers. These databases are listed and their characteristics are discussed. Results of a sample computer-based literature search are included. It is shown that no single database has complete coverage of all aspects of tribology and that several databases should be searched to get all available information on a subject.

A Method for the Study of Information Use Profiles for Design Engineers

1999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alistair Lowe ◽  
Chris McMahon ◽  
Tulan Shah ◽  
Steve Culley
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Local Group ◽  
Technical Information ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Information Requirements ◽  
Design Information ◽  
Design Engineers ◽  
The Social ◽  
Group Information ◽  
Computer Based

Abstract This paper reports on an investigation into the way in which designers from two aerospace companies organise and use information in their work. There remains relatively poor understanding of what the technical information requirements for engineers are. However, such an understanding is essential for the successful development of computer based design information systems. The concept of Design Information Profiles (DIPs) is proposed as a means of identifying these information requirements for a range of engineers working in different design contexts. These different contexts are characterised by the stage of the design life-cycle and also the social environment in which the engineers work. Profiles have been collected through structured interviews and observations of the participants at work. The results of the information profiles indicate important differences in the extent to which personal, local group and company-wide information is used by designers from different design contexts. An ‘audit’ of the participants’ personal and local group information stores is also reported. These results are likely to have implications for the future development of computer based design information systems.

Decentralization of is in Developing Countries: Power to the People?

1993 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-81
Author(s):  
Geoff Walsham
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Management Control ◽  
Design And Implementation ◽  
The People ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
The Uk

This paper describes three case studies of large-scale decentralized computer-based information systems, two from developing countries and one from the UK. Some reasons for their relative success and failure are analysed, and impacts on the empowerment of staff and management control are discussed. These issues are related to a simple categorization of decentralized information systems dependent on their primary purpose and the approach taken to their design and implementation. Some conclusions are drawn on future desirable approaches to the development of large-scale decentralized information systems in a developing country context, and on the possible impacts of such systems for the empowerment of different social groups.

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