The Second System Effect and Self Discipline “Add little to little and there will be a big pile.” - Ovid

Do you know? If you take out the responsibility for a cheap, functional product, what constricts the architect’s inventive creativity?

Interactive Discipline for the Architect When an architect works on a building he estimates the cost of the project based on an original concept. Then gets the bid of the contractor.

Interactive Discipline for the Architect A positive feature for computer architects is the ability to get initial estimates very early in project development. But, with that the downside is that only one contractor works with the programmer.

Interactive Discipline for the Architect If the architect is confronted and told the estimate is too high, he can: – Cut the design – Challenge the estimate by suggesting cheaper alternatives

Interactive Discipline for the Architect By challenging the estimate, the architect challenges the builder’s way of doing his job.

Interactive Discipline for the Architect In order to be successful the architect must: – The builder has the inventive and creative responsibility for implementation; – Be ready to let go of credit for his suggestions – Be prepared to suggest possible implementations; – Deal quietly and privately if necessary.

Self-Discipline – The Second-System Effect An architect’s first system is to code sparingly and neatly. Frills and embellishment get added later, and the concepts are stored for later clients, or the second system. The second system effect has another manifestation in a tendency to refine techniques which are obsolete.

How do you avoid second system effect? You can’t skip it. Be aware of its hazards. Exert self-discipline.

Self-Discipline – The Second-System Effect How does the project manager avoid the second- system effect? Stay aware of the special temptations. Insist on a senior architect with at least two systems work previously.