Developing Methods to Design for Evolvability: Research Approach and Preliminary Design Principles

Evolvability is a design characteristic that facilitates more manageable transitions between system generations via the modification of an inherited design. This paper pursues parallel descriptive (empirical-based) and normative (theory-based) approaches to determine initial design principles and measurable metrics for evolvability. Contrasting biological and technological evolutionary processes was used to yield insight into possible design principles. Several starting points for evolvability metrics have been identified, including metrics for interface complexity, visibility, and changeability. Once these metrics reach a level of maturity that allows for simulation of case studies, it is expected that additional data-based design principles will be identified to augment the existing list of proposed design principles that include modularity and redundancy.