Systems Design for Learning

Computer based systems (CBS) are often expected to be able to handle a complex system environment. In addition, the CBS itself generally exhibits an inherent complexity. This induces the necessity to search for adequate systems design and development processes which allow to deal with both sources of complexity. The thesis discussed in this paper suggests that the systems to develop, as well as the process itself (viewed as one step in a sequence of development tasks), should utilize the most common way of dealing with complexity: learning. A framework (inspired by the work of Jean Piaget 1) is presented which aims to clarify the use of terms as Adaptation, Development, and Learning and which suggests Scheme Development as a possibility to either implement learning CBS or to design the systems such that the integration of results of an evolutionary design process into the system is eased.