Guideline
Goal-networks are used to assess the effects of a design in a broader framework. This must prevent fixation on one goal, and thereby neglecting other goals. When a full goal-network is developped, potential negative effects are defined as their positive counterparts, so that full coverage is reached. An example of the latter might be to define a 'pure environment' as goal, so that negative environmental effects are allready incorporated in the goal-network.
Here a sample-goal-network is given (representation is a little odd (still to be improved)):
| Durable and efficient economics > | enough resources thru time > | v | |
| just distribution of resources > | needs of all beings fullfilled > | v | |
| clean enviroments > | ^ | ||
| enough nature-reserves > | > | happiness for all beings | |
| adaquate social structures > | valuable social contacts > | ^ | |
| personal time for self-development > | > | ^ | |
| educational and coaching-facilities > | > | ^ | |
| balanced legal system | freedom to do stuf > | ^ | |
| v> | ensuring base-security > | ^ |
The signs >, ^ and v indicate a positive influence for the goals can be seen as positive effects. The design-model should therefore positively influence the left-hand goals, which on their turn, works thru on the right-hand goals.
Goal-networks are by definition political; a right-wing capitalist will have another goal-network than a left-wing anarchist or communist. But they seem to be interesting tools to investigate where values between people diverge, and why they diverge. Consensus on goal-networks is important to bundle peoples' efforts. Especially the right-hand-parts of the network are important to be similar. For example, everybody likes freedom, but how this freedom is made concrete is another question.
Of course, outworked goal-networks may not be necessary for simple designs or ideas. Elaboration of the goal-network should match the impact of the model on it’s environment.
Research is still to be done on goal-networks:
- on assessment of the influence of the specific model on the desired effects of the goal-network.
- on consensus-finding.
- on representation.
Change-log:
- jorbol080819: changed goal-tree to goal-network; version 1.01
