Ateleological versus teleological
Introna (1996) proposed a distinction between ateleological and teleoogical design.
Potential connections with end-user-programming and notions of bricolage and the bad-mindset
| Attributes of the design process | Teleological development | Ateleological development |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimate purpose | Goal/purpose | Wholeness/harmony |
| Intermediate goals | Effectiveness/efficiency | Equilibrium/homeostasis |
| Design focus | Ends/result | Means/process |
| Designers | Explicit designer | Member/part |
| Design scope | Part | Whole |
| Design process | Creative problem solving | Local adaptation, reflection and learning |
| Design problems | Complexity and conflict | Time |
| Design management | Centralized | Decentralized |
| Design control | Direct intervention in line with a master plan | Indirect via rules and regulators |
References#
Introna, L. (1996). Notes on ateleological information systems development. Information Technology & People, 9(4), 20--39.