Systemantics
Systemantics is a field of knowledge of laws of systems' failures. The word was coined by John Gall (based upon the play of words systems display antics).
Some laws of Systemantics
- If anything can go wrong, it will. (see Murphy's law)
- Systems in general work poorly or not at all.
- Complicated systems seldom exceed five percent efficiency.
- In complex systems, malfunction and even total non-function may not be detectable for long periods (if ever).
- A system can fail in an infinite number of ways.
- Systems tend to grow, and as they grow, they encroach.
- As systems grow in complexity, they tend to oppose their stated function.
- As systems grow in size, they tend to lose basic functions.
- The larger the system, the less the variety in the product.
- The larger the system, the narrower and more specialized the interfaces between individual elements.
- Control of a system is exercised by the element with the greatest variety of behavioral responses.
- Loose systems last longer and work better.
- Complex systems exhibit complex and unexpected behaviors.
- Colossal systems foster colossal errors.
Books
- Gall, John. The Systems Bible: The Beginner's Guide to Systems Large and Small (Third Edition of SYSTEMANTICS). ISBN 0-9618251-7-0
- Gall, John. SYSTEMANTICS: The Underground Text of Systems Lore. How Systems Really Work and How They Fail (Second Edition). ISBN 0-9618251-0-3
- Gall, John. SYSTEMANTICS: How Systems Really Work and How They Fail (First Edition). ISBN 0-9618251-0-3
0671819100
External links
- Bart Stewart's Explanation of Systemantics -- highly recommended!