Action in context and context in action: Modelling complexity in multimedia systems development

• Published in: Journal of information technology Vol. 24; no. 1; pp. 126 - 138
• Main Authors: Webb, Brian, Gallagher, Seamus
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.03.2009; Palgrave Macmillan UK; Palgrave Macmillan; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Business and Management; Business Information Systems; Design theory; Designers; Exact sciences and technology; Grounded theory; Information and communication sciences; Information retrieval systems. Information and document management system; Information science. Documentation; Information systems; Information Systems and Communication Service; Innovation/Technology Management; Management; Multimedia; Multimedia communications; Problem solving; Product design; Research Article; Sciences and techniques of general use; Software; Specialized information systems; Studies; Verbal communication; context; complexity; multimedia; grounded theory; breakdowns; Multimedia; Information system; Modeling; Complexity
• ISSN: 0268-3962; 1466-4437
• DOI: 10.1057/jit.2008.27

Whereas multimedia systems development (MSD) is inherently complex, and increasingly so, little is known about how multimedia designers manage or cope with this complexity. In particular, little is known about complexity beyond technical and process levels, and how such complexity impacts design activity. In this paper we construct a model of MSD based on the formulation of the broader concept of context complexity. This concept, which subsumes but also transcends technical and process complexity, is used to explain design strategies and their consequences. We identify four design contexts that explain, and are also explained by, complexity. These contexts map out the ‘landscape for action’ over which design activity takes place. They shape the design environment and the responses taken to it. We use a grounded theory approach to study what designers actually do (as opposed to theorising what they should do). We argue that a better understanding of context determined and context determining strategies better informs interventions aimed at improving MSD design practice. Our main conclusion is that interventions should be directed to those situations where there is a mismatch between the level of complexity in the design context and the level of complexity in the design strategy taken in response to that context. We call these situations ‘breakdown’ contexts and examine their causes and consequences in greater detail. Our claimed contribution is to broaden the concept of design breakdowns through a specific understanding of the role and impact of (context) complexity in MSD.