A framework for the analysis of emergent visual systems

Abstract

Visual systems are composed of several visual devices whose interactions are not always deliberately designed but rather emerge from the self-organization of employees. Thus, these emergent interactions can be glossed over and the effectiveness of improving individual visual devices might be low. This paper addresses this gap by introducing a four-step framework for the analysis of visual systems, involving: the functional modelling of the target social-technical system; assessment of the existing visual devices; identification of emergent visual systems; and practical recommendations. The interactions between the visual devices are assumed to be mediated by the functions that use them. The framework was applied in an intensive care unit, based on interviews, questionnaires, document analysis, and observations. Twenty groups of visual devices and six visual systems were identified. Three propositions offer additional guidance for the framework application and for understanding the nature of visual systems, allowing for the analysis of emergent visual systems that otherwise can remain hidden in plain sight.

Keywords:

• Visual management
• visual systems
• visual devices
• complexity
• intensive care unit

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Carolina Melecardi Zani

Carolina Melecardi Zani is a PhD student at the Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction of the University College London. She has a BS in Architecture and Urban Planning and MS in Industrial Engineering in the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. She also holds a specialization in Health Management. Her areas of interest are complex theory, visual management, lean production, project management, and organizational design.

Tarcisio Abreu Saurin

Tarcisio Abreu Saurin is a Full Professor at the Industrial Engineering Department of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. He holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering, a MS in Construction Management, and a BS in Civil Engineering. He was a visiting professor at the Australian Institute of Health Innovation at Macquarie University, and the University of Salford, UK. His main research interests are related to resilience engineering, safety management, lean production, and complexity theory. He has carried out research and consulting projects on these topics in healthcare, construction, electricity distribution, and manufacturing.