Lecture: System Design Science

Joseph Sifakis

Abstract:

Design is the process that leads to artifacts meeting given requirements. We propose a decomposition of a design process into three main steps each one addressing a corresponding characteristic problem. We identify principles and associated scientific challenges for moving design from an art to a science.
Endowing design with scientific foundations would meet an urgent demand for cost-effectively building complex, trustworthy artifacts. Failure in this endeavor, would seriously limit our capability to master the techno-structure and its further development intended to address urgent global challenges for optimal resource management and enhanced services.
The envisioned goal is both intellectually challenging and culturally enlightening. It is at least of equal importance as the quest for scientific discovery in natural sciences.

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