In this lesson you will investigate systems and examine how "systems thinking" allows humans to identify conflicting considerations before an entire system is fully developed. This presentation will cover the following concepts:

• Systems thinking applies logic and creativity with appropriate compromises in complex real-life problems. (ITEA 2-W)
• Systems, which are the building blocks of technology, are embedded within larger technological, social and environmental systems. (ITEA 2-X)
• The stability of a technological system is influenced by all of the components in the system, especially those in the feedback loop. (ITEA 2-Y)
• Requirements involve the identification of the criteria and constraints of a product or system and the determination of how they affect the final design and development. (ITEA 2-AA)
• Optimization is an ongoing process or methodology of designing or making a product and is dependent on criteria and constraints. (ITEA 2-BB)
• Complex systems have many layers of controls and feedback loops to provide information. (ITEA 2-FF)