Chapter 8 Systems-Level Similarity: Technological Domains or Clusters

Major Topics

Groups of technological systems develop around a core system and the application of the same underlying physical principles.

These group of related systems might be termed technological families or domains. Systems within a domain address related problems by modifying a basic system.

Industries, engineering subfields, and codes and standards often develop around technological domains.

Chapter 8 Overview

• Technological domains are groups of technological systems that are related by use of a common core system and application of the same underlying physical principles.

• Systems within a domain address related problems by modifying a basic system through means such as changes in scale, addition of functions through specific components or subsystems, and adjustment of component forms. Industries often develop around technological domains. This includes entities that are responsible for development of major technological systems and other groups that produce components or subsystems.

• Standards of practice and legal codes may be established addressing system features and characteristics of systems within the domain.

• Engineers often work within a particular technological domain. Through training and experience they acquire expertise in utilizing the families of components and common function structures within the domain. Engineers are able to create variations of systems within the domain to meet a specific function accessible within the domain.

• Different technological domains intersect and interact in complex ways. The variability of determining the boundary between a component and a system when analyzing a particular element of technology is reflected in the technological domain as well.

• A system in one technological domain might be considered as a component in another.