Patterns, SE, and Nature
Curt McNamara, P.E.
Biomimicry Education Fellow
Chair, Natural Systems Working Group
Abstract
Design patterns are widely used in software engineering, and have been proposed as a tool for systems engineers to capture knowledge / best practices. A design pattern represents a "known good solution" which solves a challenge in a particular context. This is similar to how we describe solutions found in nature.
This talk will give an overview of design patterns, present examples from a variety of contexts, and propose an exploration of a natural system "component" as a collection of patterns.
Biography
Curt is a systems researcher, author, and educator. He has written about Buckminster Fuller's Geometry of Thinking, systems thinking and practice, lifecycle analysis, teamwork, and sustainability. As a teacher, he inspires students to use the systems view in their design practice, how to view innovation as a systems challenge, and how nature can inspire design. His primary focus is creating simple tools that others can use to improve their design practice. He is also an experienced design engineer, having created product designs that lasted decades and ones that have been produced in high volumes.