On Patterns in Enterprise Design
I love patterns! They represent concentrated problem-solving and understanding. Their sleek and elegant display instantly sparks engagement. It's 60 years now that Christopher Alexander published his groundbreaking book "Notes on the Synthesis of Form" that explores the design process, viewing design as the creation of new physical order and form in response to function. The book discusses diagrams as key elements, which Alexander has referred to as patterns in his later work, when he started systematically to collect them to build up a systematic method for designing products, buildings, or settlements.
I find that playing with patterns significantly contributes to my thought process, helping me integrate new information and connect disparate areas of expertise. Beyond their practical applications, I appreciate patterns simply for their beautiful presence and the way they enhance my understanding.
unFIX
In the image, you'll see two of my favorite pattern collections which are perpetually present on my desk. First, the unFIX organization design patterns, presented as card sets. I created these from templates available for free within the unFIX community. These cards are invaluable for me in navigating challenging situations, offering a range of choices through their tangible and manageable format. The unFIX model distinguishes itself by focusing on continuous innovation and prioritizing human experience, offering versatile tools for organizational design. It uses structural patterns to help find the right structure for all value streams.
Enterprise Design
The second collection is the Enterprise Design Patterns book compiled by members of the Intersection Group. 35 patterns are thoughtfully categorized into four key impact areas: Impact, Behavioural, Practice, and Creations. They provide confirmation, reassurance, and inspiration when I need to apply them in real-world scenarios. Navigating the complex and evolving structures of organizations can be daunting, and these patterns offer a welcome helping hand. The Enterprise Design Patterns offer practical solutions applicable to enterprise design, helping to improve identity, experience, and architecture. And, you see the Designer's handwriting 😉
EDGY
From that book it is a small jump to another product of the Intersection Group. They created EDGY to help people work together to design better organizations. It's a simple, colorful visual language that anyone can learn quickly, regardless of their background. When designers, architects, and business folks try to improve an organization, they often speak different languages and miss each other's insights. EDGY bridges these gaps by giving everyone a shared way to visualize and discuss how enterprises work.
Their latest release, "EDGY 23," lays the foundation with basic concepts that connect different perspectives. They've made it visually appealing and straightforward while still powerful enough to handle complex organizational challenges. Whether you're a UX designer, business analyst, or decision-maker, EDGY gives you tools to collaborate more effectively and create the enterprises we want to see in the world.
The EDGY approach complements my existing pattern collections nicely. For me, it's a versatile beautiful tool offering another perspective on how patterns can be systematically applied to create meaningful change in organizational contexts. Try it out, it's free!