Design approach


System design means to define, conceive, implement, and assess an improved system with regard to a set of pre-defined objectives (e.g. sustainability, resilience, climate smart, gender and social inclusion…) and constraints imposed by the context (e.g., soil types, rainfall distribution, labor availability, market price, policy, cultural norms etc.). Co-designing implies the engagement of multiple stakeholders throughout the whole design process and not only regarding them as ‘users’. Living labs are increasingly promoted for this approach. System analysis is generally the first step of a design process (initial diagnosis) or can be used to explore options or scenarios. System assessment is needed in a design process to define current performance and assess progress towards a desired state in a test-check-improve approach.

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