System Solutions

System concepts and designs find potential solutions to problems: identifying a viable solution concept is the first step in "systems engineering" a solution.

A problem exists within a conceptual problem space; a solution exists within a conceptual solution space. Within both those conceptual spaces, systems may be interacting with each other in their respective environments. A solution may result from rearranging the systems in the problem space, from changing interactions, from changing environments, or from deletions or additions; for example, of new or altered systems.

A system solution, then, exists within the context of other systems in other environments, with which it interacts. A system design exhibits purpose, or is purposive, that is, purpose can be ascribed to it. When a putative system design is "inserted" into a solution space, it purpose will present as effects on other interacting systems within the solution space. The solution to the original problem is to be seen in the sum of the effects, and any changes they may invoke in all the interacting systems; including the putative system design.

The following brief transport issue exemplifies this abstract process:

A transport problem exists between two industrialized towns. Roads are single lane highways, and there is a single-track railway. A solution is proposed in the form of a new canal,...