1. The Universal Systems Model
Technology & Engineering Education
EHMIS

2. What is it?
The Universal Systems Model is a way to describe how a system works
Every Technology, no matter how simple or complex, fits into this descriptive model

3. What are the parts? Must start with the goal of the system Input
Process
Output
Feedback
The system can be open or closed loop

4. Input Process Output Feedback Resources:
The result that comes out of the system
The steps that lead to a result
Resources: or
Tools
Positive
Negative
Information
People
closed-loop system
Time
Energy
Money
Feedback
Materials
Compare the results to the original need; adjustments are made

5. An Example: Skateboarding
Goal
The goal is to ride the skateboard down the street
Input
Get on the board and kick off
Process
The wheels spin and the board travels down the road
Output
The board moves forward and you ride it
Feedback
All of the information you receive that cause you to make adjustments. (Example: you see a puddle and shift your weight to steer around it)

6. Closed-Looped vs Open-Looped
systems have no way of adjusting to changing conditions (closing your eyes riding a skate board)
Closed loop
systems can change under different conditions (eyes open riding a skate board)