The Concept of Design: Are We off Track?

Abstract

This thesis examines design as a methodology for applying critical and creative thinking to further an understanding of interdependent variables seeking an internal and external equilibrium to support decisions based on an assessment of capability and ability within the Joint Operation Planning Process (JOPP). The process of design brings clarity, defines the critical challenges, and builds an analytical bridge between the problem and action. Design is essential, but it is misunderstood. What went wrong in the application of design to military doctrine can be distilled into four major points: (1) Lack of clarity as to where design fits, (2) Confusion of design with the commander's intent and guidance, (3) Mixing of design and mission analysis, and (4) Profusion of terms to replace the original design precepts. To get design back on track, doctrine must define the relationship between design and its linkages in a hierarchical planning structure favored by military services; define where and how design fits in the JOPP (design no longer remains as a separate and distinct process); and define where original design precepts and terms clearly reside.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 15, 2012
Accession Number
ADA562302

Entities

People

  • Thomas B. Gukeisen

Organizations

  • National Defense University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Counter WMD

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Asymmetric Warfare
  • Command And Control
  • Doctrine
  • Employment
  • Military Doctrine
  • Military Education
  • Military Operations
  • Military Planning
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Psychology
  • Reasoning
  • Students
  • Thinking
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Systems Analysis and Design