Systematic methods for the problem solving process with particular reference to design

A model is constructed to describe the relationship of the various stages of human activity within the process of solving a system problem. A compendium of techniques are described in the paper, relevant to different stages of the process. These cover methods for illustrating problem structure, obtaining a decision sequence to govern the design process, and the choice of a course of action. Explicit modelling of the design logic increases the visibility of the process, not only to those directly engaged in the activity, but also to those setting objectives and implementing solutions. Decisions requiring systematic evaluation can be more easily separated from those properly relying on human judgment.