Mapping Patterns Landscape - Overview Results

BCSSS Research Group Systems Science & Pattern Literacy - Helene Finidori – Maria Lenzi - June 2018
Mapping Patterns Landscape
Advanced Survey Results
June 15, 2018 - 139 responses in Total
Survey still Open, link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MappingPatternsLandscape
Bertalanffy Center for the Study of Systems Science (BCSSS)
Research Group Systems Science and Pattern Literacy
Survey supervised by Helene Finidori & Maria Lenzi

Overview
Launched late february, the Survey has generated 139 responses as of mid June. The rate of
full completion is close to 70%, which is quite significant as the time announced to complete
it is 30 minutes. We are still expecting participation as the link is shared further within
and beyond the communities we initially targeted.
In general terms, respondents so far come from a variety of disciplines: systems science,
systems thinking, business consulting, computer science and information technologies, design,
architecture, permaculture, activism, group facilitation and more. Many have selected a wide
range of knowledge disciplines, both in theory and praxis, which shows an overall inclination
to trans-disciplinary approaches. We would like to further extend our reach to people
professionally involved in linguistics and cognition.
We are sharing here the full unfiltered answers to key open questions, with a minimum of
interpretation and processing except some loose clustering under broad themes for ease of
overview for our readers. This advanced report only scratches the surface of the richness of
what our respondents shared, in particular as far as practical aspects are concerned. We will
be processing responses in more details and sharing more results over the coming months as we
receive more of them and dig further in the data.
Overall the variety of these first responses seem to highlight the cross-cutting, and somewhat
fundamental nature of the concept of pattern, in the eyes of our respondents. Something we
will refine and validate as we progress in our analysis.

Words & concepts that come first to respondents’ minds when thinking of patterns
Semantically related concepts are displayed here in the same color, forming indicative clusters of meaning.
We see that the vocabulary used to evoke patterns is significantly varied, and that broad areas of meaning are covered.
System
Organization
Regularity
Design
Cognitive
Nature
Form
Process
Order
Clusters
of meaning
Word cloud using Voyant-tools
342 unique words displayed randomly
Size varies with frequency
Most frequent count: 14

Words & concepts that come first to respondents’ minds when thinking of patterns
We added up here the word counts in each cluster of meaning identified in the previous cloud. They are not to be
considered as categories as there is some overlap among them. They give an idea of the types of concepts evoked.
We see a good distribution of the vocabulary used to evoke patterns across these overarching concepts.
Generated using Voyant-tools
Differences in sizes are accentuated here. Word
count in the largest cluster (71) is actually around
twice the word count in the smallest (34).

Word count for terms other than patterns used in respondents’ domains of activity
Colors are random here
‘None’ or N/a: 14
We see a vast array of ‘synonyms’: each of these words can mean pattern, and pattern can designate each of them...

Word count for the single word respondents would use instead of pattern
Colors are random here
There is quite a spread here.
‘Depends’ + ‘No single word’: 9

Pattern Definitions: Welcome inside a “textual arc”
Here you can track all the responses we received to description and definition of patterns
In anticipation of a more extensive analysis.
For an interactive experience, please follow: https://voyant-tools.org/?corpus=3f5ebfd521bae2cf37bd6da440db7dcd&view=TextualArc

Shared Images
25% of respondents shared at least one image. All the images we received up until mid May, are
shared here.
The following slides display:
● Conceptual images and sampling of top of mind terms shared by these respondents
● The examples of uses of patterns shared by our respondents
● The examples of applications shared by our respondents
The variety of conceptual images, uses and applications provides a good sample of the overall
variety of responses in the survey.

irregular tilings
algorithmic
fractals
branching
fluid dynamics
composition
repeating order
textile
our need for understanding
a seed that proliferates
recursive
adaptive to other patterns
constellation
the skin of a chameleon
Images and words that came to mind

Understanding context & meaning
This is not the firm
Human design
Distributed design
Biomimicry
Understanding natural processes
Applying Alexander’s 15 principles
Seeking higher dimensional worldviews
Nemetics
Example of Pattern Uses

Urbanism management method
MetaAutomation Pattern Language
Using existing pattern languages
In group processes
Pattern Language for sustainable policies Knowledge explorationHow patterns influence ecosystems
Examples of Applications I.

Biopsychosocial analysis
Analyzing customs and tax fraud Communicating on nature across cultures Analyzing our relationships with ourselves and the world
Systemic approach to health
Examples of Applications II.

Verbatim…
Definitions & descriptions
All answers to the Question
“How would you describe or define a pattern (in a couple of
sentences)?”
Answers have been grouped by affinity of content under broad themes to facilitate overview
and give a sense of how they could map. Themes are indicative and ‘fuzzy’ as many answers
embrace several aspects of patterns that could fit under multiple themes. We have chosen
not to duplicate answers as the objective of the survey is mapping, not categorizing.
In a next phase of analysis, we will further refine our clustering of these definitions.

Regularity / Repetition
A set of relationships that have
some form of repetition: either
repeated through time, or
symmetry or fractality, or some
other repeating form.
Some regular set of features or
attributes of a logical or physical
object that may more or less
match/fit, or not match/fit with the
patterns of other objects.
A repetitive entity which has an
equal / similar shape or
characteristic. A pattern is
independent from the size of the
entity. They exist on all levels of
beeing (mega, meso, micro).
Knowledge among patterns is
effective for improvement.
In social systems: a feedback driven
regularities. In biology: a morphogenic
regularities. In physical systems: fractals,
spirals, symmetries. Temporal regularities,
repetitions, rhythms. Recursion.
A regular behaviour over time,
understandable at a certain
level of aggregation
Something which rhymes
with something else
An observation or sequence of
observations noticed repeatedly at
different times or in different
contexts, instances of which are at
least similar, if not identical.
A repetition of form
Repeating in time and
space, or both, same,
similar, algorithmic
Repeating abstractions of
features of a system.
Some consistent behavior
Recurring instances of something.
sometimes beautiful, sometimes
not. Beautiful patterns seem to be
more sustainable.
A recurring combination of shapes,
objects or states (as a metaphor);
the most important feature being
their self-similarity.
An arrangement (usually visual) that has some
form of recognized regularity or repetition. It may
be more or less intricate, meaning that how often it
repeats. An intricate pattern would repeat but only
after a lot of information or elements have been
revealed. A simple pattern would repeat after
relatively few elements.
Sequences of
repeating elements
A predictable
repetition
A pattern is a replication of an
image, a sound or some aspect
of life e.g. numbers, tiling,
music, genetics.
Pattern is a procedure which
iterated at least two times.
Phenomena that have common features and
repeat themselves across time, places and/or
different subjects, institutions etc. The phenomena
might seem unconnected (or not) on the surface
but are in fact connected in a such way that they
have common features.
A system of regularities
A recurring or observable
regularity that can be
described or made visible.

Structure
An abstracted
representation of
common structures
Arrangements of sets of
tilings in symmetrical,
regular or irregular,
random ...ways
An organized collection,
whether graphic or
non-graphic.
An arrangement of elements
(whatever their kind) which is able
to keep its configuration
dynamically stable over time
A structure of two or more entities
wherein the entities and structure
can be specific or increasingly
general or abstract.
Its origin, its scope, its limits, its
purpose, rules (and not rules) of
behavior and typological
characteristics (if any).
A network of bounded networks.
Best displayed in print and face
to face interactions.
A kind of structure that is repeatedly
found in Nature, across multiple
disciplines (when it comes to systems
thinking). It's like a template.
The structural arrangement of
units in a complex system
abstracted from the particular
types of entities that play both the
roles of unit and of system
A structured form of capturing system
recurrent structures. A way to capture
and promote design knowledge reuse.
An organizing principle of
nature and human activity
a set of relationships that is
at least somewhat stable for
some period of time.
A collection of concepts or thing
that have some manner of
connection to each other,
however vague
It's a manner of organization and functioning in
human interaction that's repetitive, predictable,
often with defined objectives, although these
may be unannounced. It may exist in
relationships, business or public organizations,
or any repetitive interpersonal interaction.

Process
Logical sequences
that co-variate
specific behavior returning
design property systemic
attractor
A pattern is the thresholds
that relates to a change of
state or perspective to the
other polar opposite
A discernible repeated
sequence of steps or
actions between and
among various things.
A pattern is an orderly dynamic
that links things that may either be
obviously or covertly connected.
They can be visual, auditory, or
conceptual.
Behaviors of systems/measured
parameters/observed
goings-on/space and time
interactions ...
A pattern starts as a simple
seed that proliferates, building
complexity, often adding scales
with self-similarity.
A sequence of actions born of
a conviction that said 'form' is
reliable and repeatable
A ‘logical’ or automatic chain of action,
cause and effect, impulse and impact,
condition and opportunity, alternating and
giving shape at various levels and scales,
A ritual that enables a
repeated result when
invoked well.
A pattern is the evolution of
information on a repeating
path. All patterns are
adaptive to other patterns.
A unique combination of behaviors, acts, qualities or
events that repeat themselves over space and time.
Patterns demonstrate unique configurations that are
both substantial enough to observed, studied and
analyzed and robust enough to be manipulated and
changed without destroying their value in the
system.

Configuration
A legible shape and/or flow that
describes (and possibly helps predict)
how historical and emergent energies
interact to create reality. Or maybe
realities.
An organization of "parts", either conceptual or physical,
that exhibits a significant surplus of emergent quality
with respect to the sum of the individual qualities of its
constituents. A concept whose quality-of-emergence is
so high as to receive an new monolithic identity radically
different from those of its components. A new character
in the characteristica universalis.
A detectable characteristic that is linked to
one or more variables and that can be (more
or less) predicted as a function of those links.
A pattern is expressed in a temporal and / or
spatial and / or relational dimensions and its
detection depends on the scale or even on
the level of organization in which
relationships are studied
a perceived relationship
among discrete elements,
often in dynamic interaction.
Something where there is some order,
there seems to be some creative force
behind it that creates a repetition of
elements or some kind of symmetry.
A regular or repeating architecture (structure)
or dynamic (process) that appears across
many different fields or instantiations or case
studies that is expressed as an abstracted
generality across those specifics or
particulars. So the mapping is many to one
and one to many simultaneously.
A perceptible process or configuration that, because it it
composed of repeated, but possibly transformed sub
components, can be described much more concisely by
defining the subcomponents and the transformation
rules than by describing the resulting gestalt.
A purposeful unity of structure
& process, that repeats or/and
can be re-used
An emerging constellation of repeating events,
with participants (living entities) orbiting or cycling
through with various periods. Suppose you accept
that "everything is connected," it still takes a kind
of attention over time to see repetitive patterns
and comprehend their connections.
Ordered sequence of events, symbols
or other things or Combination of
figures/bodies with the fixed relative
size, location and orientation
Semantic models defining inter-dependencies between
related concepts. They can cascade in stacks, or define
linkage, roles and responsibilities between independent
elements forming some synergistic, holistic function in the
case of dynamic systems, or design elements often seen
repetitiously in static forms.
- The difference between information patterns and
design patterns, conceptual vs. construction tools, and
growth as a natural pattern of emerging organization
looking for a home. - What defines the human
meaning of patterns is really whose hands they are in
and what is being done with them, the most fruitful
study being of the natural patterns of organizational
design that produce transformative emergent
properties.
A higher order emergent
combination of interactions
at a lower level.
An observed relationship between things
(not just physical things) that either repeats
in other instances or suggests how these
relationships may repeat in other instances
In human systems dynamics (HSD) we define patterns as
"similarities, differences, and connections that have meaning
across space and time." We believe patterns emerge as the
tension in a system builds between and among these
conditions.

Perception & recognition
For any event (in time, space,
possibly or a combination) the
quality of sameness in a
content that can be
distinguished from a context.
A set of actions and or
images that can be
identified within different
contexts by virtue of their
signature features
A non-random, replicable set of
relationships among relata,
which can be observed as
phenomena and/or qualitatively
experienced by participants.
An invariant practitioners
can identify across various
contexts.
A result of a repetitive
process with a characteristic
and recognizable structure
A relationship or set of
relationships that is
identifiable and comparable
across a variety of contexts. An aggregate or cluster of phenomena that
recurs in observable/recognizable form,
whether physical or psychosocial or spiritual.
A product of synthesis of these observed
phenomena. A help to save energy in
recurring situations and a hindrance to
innovation and behaviour change.
Recognizable connections
in space or over time
A common behavior
easily recognizable.
A detail or reocurring behaviour. It is
something that different objects or events
have in common and as such we can call
them a set of elements with that pattern.
Actually, a pattern is more abstract than
that. It is a more "advanced" form of
similarity, similarity recognizable just by
more "advanced" or better trained minds.
A repetition of the qualities of a structure. The
structure can be something that can be
perceived with our senses or with something
that enhances our senses (eg. a measuring
device). The same pattern can be realized
through different mediums, eg.
short-short-long could apply to a visual signal
or an audio signal.
A persistent or frequent arrangement of
interacting elements that can be
perceived or recognized, at some level
of abstraction, in the natural, human or
artificial world. It is an ordered structure
noticeable against a relatively
disordered background.
Things (plural) with some coherence that can be
distinguished from a background of randomness or other
things. It might be described as a kind of a density with
some regularity, the fact that it can be described signifies
that its expression is reducible by someone (hence a
pattern). This coherent multitude of things generally lasts
long enough for some other group of things to perceive
it. Now it can be named such that it can be referred to to
other things now or later.
Connected or related events that
together give context or meaning.
A complexity drop.
A signal.
A recognisable repetition in
time and/or space.
An ordering that can be
re-cognized and of which the
recognition is self-reinforcing.

A framework that can be
reproduced at any artistic
or disciplinary field
because it arouses similar
cognitive perceptions.
Cognition & understanding
A vibrational resonance
that is recognized by the
brain. If this vibration is
dense enough it
becomes seen as matter
and/or what matters.
A repeating phenomenon
that we can perceive, such
that we realize the
entailment underlying it is
all connected somehow.
The way in which we speak,
communicate, think and create; the
way we organize verbal language,
science, engineering and the fine
arts, painting, sculpture,
architecture, music, dance
Meaning making units,
experience based
understanding, cognitive
units that widen circles of
perception
A perceptual construct
Guide thought and engage consciousness; serve
as scaffolding. Can emerge from creative
cognition. Need not be visualizable, but many
are. Can be temporal, e.g., music and speech.
Are assigned meaning, or meaning is projected
on them. But they have no intrinsic meaning.
Structuring-Processes and Processing-Structures
are a complementarity.
A way of describing the
interrelating aspects of
discrete things. This may or
may not enable an observer
to see underlying, chaotic or
charodic flows of material,
energy, or information.
A conclusion made and sustained by the mind
(an observer) stating that what they are faced
with is "something" --in some sense tangible and
durable-- rather than just background mess. The
conclusion may be an illusion/imposition as much
as it may be valid. But 'validity' is problematic. I
would say that the confirmation of validity should
be coming from the pattern's own confirmation:
when the pattern is cognitively active in
manifesting and sustaining itself. [But then some
might philosophically argue that self-confirmation
of one's own existence is also based on illusion
;-)]
The structure of thinking
over and between the
selected objects
A refrain of recurring
theme that provides
order or makes sense
of complex data
A piece of knowledge conceptually
structured (semantic) in such a way that,
either it can be purposefuly re-used in a
larger frame (a.k.a. a molecule) or
automatically mobilised (including
triggered) when a certain condition is
sensed (a.k.a. stimuli-reaction)
Patterns help us sense the world and
make meaning. They provide context
and difference, and shift over time, and
with our influence.

Generic formula that be
applied in multiple domains
A systemic holistic creation. A pattern
on a flower, or universe, or design,
seems always settling when observed,
and balanced for all parts/parties
involved.
A representation of a generic response
to a recurrent situation, adaptable to a
variety of specific contexts, that brings
the trajectory of action into alignment
with the underlying generative dynamic
of the universe (as reflected in
Alexander's 'Quality Without A Name'.
mathematics as a
science of patterns
A meaningful interaction of different
competencies. Flexible in terms of
duration, texture and composition.
In physics it can be a 'law' - a pattern that repeats
itself enough, and on a large enough scale, that it
can explain why phenomena are how they are, or
to predict how phenomena will be. Patterns can
show trends (and habits),elements and their
relationships with other elements, and holons
(systems embedded within systems) - different
levels of abstractions.
Idealization or template that
abstracts and fixes dimensions
of variation.
A map is a territory. A
territory is an equation
Something in common.
Something with potential.
Something worth exploring.
Generation of a new boundary.
It's linking everything together.
Colour to sound to nature
A manifestation of my need for
order and control, a reward for
my fear of being unconscious
or oblivious
Order & Nature
A "pattern" has to be relatively
simple, because there are so
many different mathematical
structures, all of which could be
understood as "patterns". Some
general concept of order that can
discerned in multiple instances.

Something to be ascertained
in order to achieve a goal.
A design element or principle that
promotes vitality and wholesomeness
in a specific realm of human activity
and that can show up in many
different forms.
In general, a set of aspects,
often found together, typically
named. Design patterns are
patterns created for a reason,
things that makes sense.
A configurational map of
the resolution of "forces" of
a design problem (or other
pertinent phenomenon)
A semi-formal and mildly abstract description of the
kernel of successful solutions to problems that occur
over and over again in similar contexts. They help us
understanding what works to solve whatever
problem, in whatever realm. Once we've understood
this, we must adapt this pattern to our very concrete
context, i.e. our very concrete problem. That is: a
pattern is a tool but we must learn how to apply it.
A repeating order of elements that serves some purpose, 1.
Aesthetically pleasing e.g. establishes some common
resonance that gives an identity or meaning to otherwise
disparate arrangement. 2 , Emotionally evocative,e.g patterns
of musical notes that evoke happiness or sadness. 3. Practical
usefulness e.g color spectrum that can indicate harmonious and
dissonant relationships.
It has certain qualities. A
flavour of influencing.
A pattern has two parts: an issue, which
is an understanding of living activity,
human and otherwise; and a solution,
which guides the physical form of the
built and natural environment.
A generalized way of describing a problem in a context, and a solution to
the problem. Patterns help people by a) creating a vocabulary to record or
communicate the problem and the solution b) putting the problem in a
context, including relationships to other patterns c) abstract the problem
and the solution to help people think about the problem space in which the
pattern lives
A configuration of material or
information that resolves a
conflict in a given context.
A repeating geometry covering a
surface. Also a protypical partial
design solution intended to solve a
particular recurring problem.
"A feature that shows up repeatedly in a
domain, that results in a deepening
appreciation and understanding of that
domain, stronger connection with others in
that domain, and hence better fulfillment of the
purpose of those working in that domain"
Design & purpose
I'll go with Alexander's definitions
and Douglas Schuler's, which
allow for wiggle room between
useful creativity and life
enhancing stability of design.
A way of abstracting and decomposing
proven solutions to problems so that others
can better understand and adapt them to
solve similar problems in their own setting.

Verbatim…
Patterns in relation to systems
All answers to the instruction
“Please specify your understanding of the role and/or
potential of patterns in the context of systems in a few
sentences.”
Answers have been grouped by affinity of content under broad themes to facilitate
overview and give a sense of how they could map. Themes are indicative and ‘fuzzy’ as
many answers embrace several aspects of patterns that could fit under multiple themes. We
have chosen not to duplicate answers as the objective of the survey is mapping, not
categorizing.
In a next phase of analysis, we will further refine our clustering of these statements.

Patterns are the critical
stuff that underlies all
systems knowledge.
I believe that purpose is the
foundational concept in the
social sciences and identifying
patterns that link purpose to
practice or action is one of the
most important roles for the
social sciences.
Everything in the universe is
understood through concepts --
and concepts are constructed
in regular ways.
Patterns structure "data points" in
the most general sense. They are
what turns data into in"form"ation.
Being aware that (imho) 'everything recognisable' is made
of patterns, is essential. My simple view: 1. Universal laws
are the most stable and founding principles. 2. They evoke
change, vibrations, patterns. 3. Depending the context and
relative speed we perceive patterns and structures to which
we attach meaning. (If you spil your coffee you might see
the resulting flow pattern as a process, you might perceive
a very similar pattern more as a structure inside the Grand
Canyon.) I think I want people (me included) inside
systems to see the system and their role(s) in it, so they
become conscious of their impact.
Given increasing VUCA
systems and emerging
bizarre systems, I think
pattern awareness will be
core in meaning making,
understanding systems
and reality
The essence,
sine qua non
Patterns are cognized and cognizing.
They emerge through some coherent
behavior of the multitude of
components, their organization and
they last, at least long enough to be
cognized by some other pattern
Patterns are a building block of any knowledge. Complex
patterns are combination of other patterns, i.e. patterns
form recursive knowledge structure. Patterns are base for
detecting cause-effect relationships.
Foundational / A way to the future
Cognitive system design patterns will enable
us to architect artificial general intelligences
given a base psychological or biological
theory upon which the system is inspired.
Establishing a practice for pattern-centric
inquiry, analysis, action and evaluation is
how we will move from a linear to a
complex adaptive paradigm for system
understanding.
Pattern thinking is
next generation
systems thinking.
You find people to fill
the roles around a
system entrepreneur
The use of patterns in the
implementation and practice
of the work in the
meta-framework will be
essential.
Much of cutting edge 21st century science will be about recognizing patterns as opposed to
recognizing objects. I like to say it's the difference between studying the dancers and studying the
dance. The best businesses are now adapting pattern/systems thinking to how they operate, but
many are not yet doing so seriously. Unfortunately systems thinking appears to be both cognitively
difficult and something that most people aren't seriously exposed to in their educations. The first of
those will tend to worsen inequality of outcomes as pattern/systems thinkers increasingly
outmaneuver those that can't operate that way, while building pattern/systems thinking into ALL
levels of education can help redress that tendency to at least some degree. Our political domain is
the area where pattern/systems thinking is most critically necessary and least apparent.

Patterns can help to make
explicit systemic relations
that are too complex to be
understood causally.
Pattern is the blueprint of a system or its behavior. It
breaks the spell of a system's unity and exposes it nature;
organization; parts; and relationships among parts. It
makes it possible for an observer to reason about a
system's features; limitations; possible improvements.
Understanding patterns can help us see more
clearly in the complexity the bit that we want to
focus on and see how it influences the system/s
around it - while still acknowledging that the unit
of activity is immersed in these complex systems
and cannot be viewed independently.
The detection of pattern localizes sources of
information/ energy/ relationship. The nesting
of patterns in hierarchical structure gives rise
to system characteristics.
Patterns are the markers of relationship. Identifying
patterns helps make visible relationships and often
the dynamics of relationships (in those systems
where patterns are not static).
In order to act into the uncertainty and ambiguity of
complexity, we must be curious, and courageous. Inquisitive
to gather and observe and learn and understand.
Courageous to explore promising options that may change or
respond to perceived patterns and obtain better outcomes.
Systems awareness
They are the way of
simplifying complexity.
If you can not recognize patterns,
it is very difficult to understand
Systems, or think at all. Patterns
must be remembered as being in
the Eye of the Beholder.
Turtles all the
way down
Patterns are repeatable
observations and actions
within systems.
Perception of patterns facilitates defining
and achieving objectives , individually or in
relationships and organizations. Extremely
important in discerning the direction and
nature of events.
Inquiry into complexity / Systemic sense-making
Identifying patterns allows us to ask
better questions, to get better answers,
to know better our system, planning, etc
I see the ability to identify patterns as the key to
understanding the workings of systems. the
recognition of the same (or similar) pattern in
multiple systems is central to the act of abstraction.
Especially in living
systems always
what´s up
Patterns represent similarities between
different particular systems, allowing us
to categorize those systems, predict
(more or less) their behavior.
Most systems are arranged as mere sums,
but more complex systems require not only
a decomposition into [parts] but the
identification of second order patterns
among the parts within the whole
Discovering how a system functions requires recognition
of patterns in structure and behaviour -- constructing the
right abstractions and formalizing these -- to bring out the
geometry of interaction in ways that can be pictured or
understood by metaphor with better-known processes.
Pattern has a great potential for
structuring of messy situations
and construction of sense
To me the reading of patterns is
the most important thing only by
experiencing and trying to
understand can we learn to
compose.
If there is an identifiable pattern, it may point to a
system at work. Understanding such system and
matching its functioning to certain output/results
where the patterns can be observed can be used
for predictions, diagnosis, planning.

Patterns are how we come to understand the dynamics of a
complex adaptive system--particularly in our focus systems
related to the ways humans live, work, and play together.
We believe that if we see the underlying patterns that are
shaping behavior or interactions, then you can address
whatever problems present themselves. And we believe
that since patterns are emergent phenomenon, we use
Adaptive Action (iterative cycles of observation, reflection,
and action) to work with patterns to address challenges to
resilience, sustainability, and fitness.
Patterns allow us to break out of binary thinking
and applying ordered systems approaches to
solve complex problems (that often have no
solutions) It also enables systems to become
more adaptive and agile in response to changing
contexts.
I suppose that patterns might be one
of the building blocks that could help
to define complex systems.
Patterns are an explicit methodology to capture the
characteristics of overlap, ambiguity and web-network
interrelatedness within systems, as formal structural
models that can be re-used to generate designs or to
analyse existing structures.
We may collectively learn
to more radically
transform our behaviours
and societal structures
because we know how to
do that and enjoy it.
The discovery of patterns helps
orientation in face of the complex.
Patterns have a function in both
diagnosis and design.
Patterns allow me to deal with complexity in such a way,
that I can make sense of it and bring about meaningful
connections among seemingly very different phenomena.
This helps us "gearing" societal change towards a free, fair
and sustainable future.
In my work patterns are explicitly
guidelines for designing, increasing or
evaluating the collective
wisdom-generating capacity of
participatory systems (or activities).
As above, so below. Most effect solutions come
from patterns around us.. mycelium growth
provides the most effective route.. the fibers of the
energy of the cosmos, looks like the neural
networks of the brain and the mycelium in the soil
Systems can be almost arbitrarily complex. Complexity can cause risk due to lack of
understanding or unanticipated consequences to actions. Patterns (and, pattern languages)
reduce complexity by abstracting and componentizing it into manageable pieces. They can also
enable people to improve systems, because they enable analysis and understanding.
Understanding & orienting
Patterns can help describe and understand systems and systems
dynamics in order to take more informed decisions, to shape
more accurately our actions in conformance with our true intents.
Patterns allow the distillation of process or form
for cultural transmission in a way that allows for
variation, elaboration and evolution when
patterns are followed in novel design. As such,
patterns are systemic aids for improved system
evolution and optimization.
Patterns can help describe and
understand systems and systems
dynamics in order to take more
informed decisions, to shape more
accurately our actions in
conformance with our true intents.
We try to create patterns that enable
the functioning of a given system,
operable systems usually have patterns
in them, it is important how these
patterns emerge and then repeat
themselves for desired outcomes.

The general language/tool that enables
trans domain communication and
comparison. The clear discernment
and application of basic patterns
enables transcendent design.
Patterns enable to visualize systems of
high complexity and thus play an
eminent role in knowledge transfer.
Discovering how a system functions requires
recognition of patterns in structure and
behaviour -- constructing the right abstractions
and formalizing these -- to bring out the
geometry of interaction in ways that can be
pictured or understood by metaphor with
better-known processes.
Seeing patterns can help inform
choices about transferring evidence
from one place to another by
understanding the links between
[units of activity]
knowledge transfer
Crossing boundaries
Helping bridging scientific (abscond) knowledge with common (shared) knowledge.
Allowing people to make a distinction between modeling for simulation and learning from
models. For example the difference between mathematical models used to make
simulation in order to "program" the equations that can be put into a "autonomous system"
and have a prototype of the system adjust its "knowledge" into patterns learned when put in
situations (Neural networks). So patterns are very important for the meaning to be
contextualized and outline the diversity of the observed reality.
They can be catalysts for
dialogue and new ways of
understanding and working.
if multiple stakeholders that are engaged in something as
complex as urbanism, could find a common ground where
urbanism wouldn’t be the end, but the means to an end,
agreeing on their relative position in a dynamic field of
decision influence, then maybe the common sustainable
good would be easier to achieve..?
Patterns guarantee mutual understanding across people with differing perspectives and
backgrounds, develop links between types of expressions (texts, visual arts, music,
emotional behaviours, math and computer formulaes) and auto-organize collective actions
towards wicked problems. Sometimes, they are perfect comfort zones, when we find
structured related parts, or meaning, inside a huge world mess.

A system will have a
pattern or patterns
Systems are, at one level, nothing more than patterns
within a context. Patterns of information, energy,
intention. Patterns are, therefore, also a critical concept
that can help people understand what systems are
ABOUT - the movement, the forces, the interactions.
Systems become legible with pattern analysis.
A system is a pattern. It may be
decomposable into other patterns. It
is embedded in larger patterns
(both in time and in space)
Pattern can be used for making sense to
enable a system to respond effectively to
perturbations on the system
Patterns define Systems,
Systems define patterns.
To me, in the language sense of Hofstadter, a system is a pattern. To me, a system is a network (nodes and
relations) with constraints. We use visual patterns to represent systems. Graphs are patterns that are useful in
representing dynamic systems. I distinguish "systems" from networks, holarchies, and ecologies. "Systems"
are limited to one levels of nodes and relations plus constraints. Node/components are treated as objects with
properties (not as systems-within-systems = holarchies). Environments are environments. All four are mental
constructs and have no material reality.
Systems have pattern,
if there is no pattern
there is no system.
Patterns and systems
are not different
I suppose there are some nuanced understandings where patterns may
be thought of as being different from systems - such as a picture may
show a static pattern while the system itself is more dynamic, changing
over time. More generally, however, it seems that patterns might be or
represent our understanding of systems. If we know the pattern, we know
the system (or, at least believe we do). When we have a better
understanding of patterns, we will be able to better and more easily
understand systems.
I tend to use these two terms
interchangeably (not a fan of
defining system by function).
Systems embody patterns,
often recursive, nested,
compound, composable,
decomposable, fractal, etc.
patterns.
Pattern vs System
Patterns describe elements or
characteristics of systems.
Depends on your
definition of "systems".

Our forebrains need to connect better with our other brains and
mem-braines. We need to practice languaging as yoga, and
explore and learn its ways with us as whole beings, and beings
needing to be more whole and harmonious and free to help each
other better. Patterns can help, as long as we don't idolize them
or territorialize them co-dependently.
There are patterns in human behaviour on all levels,
consciously or subconsciously, it is understanding
the patterns that will create the next reaction that
make patterns so valuable
Patterns can be useful
in new ways of learning
Identify and process 'limiting beliefs'.
Make conscious choices concerning
individual and group habits. Paint
bigger pictures.
Potentially: seeing one's
self, one's affiliations,
one's affordances.
You do not only see with your eyes but also with your
patterning abilities understood as concepts, models,
theories and paradigms. Understanding is order and
pattern based.
Everything we know is from the patterns of nature we interact with, every word referring back to the cultural experience of some
recurrent natural world experience, like "run", "balance", "love" or "confusion", all based on our experiences of those patterns of
nature, recorded as mental patterns associated with words, circulated culturally. We have considerable difficulty distinguishing our
mental patterns from nature's patterns though. That leaves us in real trouble as a species, and urgently need to work on that. So
creating better representations or simulation of nature's patterns is really more the disease than the cure, is one serious problem.
What we need to do is use our best SIMPLE patterns to help us discover how nature's patterns DIFFER from ours. The main way
they differ, of course, is that nature's patterns are not abstractions. It's our preoccupation with emulating nature with abstractions
that keeps us from being able to understand the beautiful organization of natural complexity, and its very mortal natural limits. As
just projected rules abstractions have no limits of course, but patterns of natural organization definitely do. So using systems
thinking as a guide to discovering how different natural patterns are, rather than to represent them, seems to be the key, and how
the systems concept can reach it real fulfillment.
Cognition

The study, the formalization and the use of the patterns, are relevant
to the extent that reality, where we want to apply improvements or
optimal forms, shows typical behaviors and built over time. There are
behaviors that must be constructed and others changed, in saying
positive patterns must be constructed and negative ones must be
counteracted, with this we will be efficiently managing the complexity
of the systems. Especially those patterns of human behavior, which
occur in organizations and in society.
Reality expresses itself in patterns, many of them not directly
accessible to our conscious minds. But beyond our intellectual
limitations, the concept of pattern is a useful tool to increment our
acceptance of complexity and self-organizing processes. This is key
to understand systems dynamics and hence to try to grasp how
complex systems change.
Patterns & Reality
Patterns are the essence of things that
are real as relations, or as Deley called
it, Purely Objective Reality

My view as of today is that I'm not convinced that patterns are as useful as natural
language and contextually appropriate visualizations. For example if I were in the
context of computer folks, I would use network diagrams. In a room full of parents
I might use pictures of home and the things that are implied by a home. With
people doing community development it might be the roots, trunk and branches of
tree. I guess I think any patterns have to be context specific. A meta theory that
defines the pieces and interactions can be adapted to any context.
They are used for good, evil
and both and neither
Ambivalent as it quite often leads to
rather descriptive, reduced model
Patterns can undermine or
support the efficiency and
effectiveness of systems.
To Think in patterns can lead to exaggerated goal
orientation an Great willingness to perform. As a result
what we want and what we can do is Not consistant.
Among others Things, I See my role in the need for a
Mediatior for These Conscious and unconscious patterns.
Can provide design and diagnosis templates
but can foster 'leaping to conclusions and
unintended consequences.'
Caveats
They may and may not play role
in characterising systems. Case
dependent.

1. The conceptual structure of the scientific approach has to be translated into the conceptual structure corresponding to the contemplative phenomenological descriptive method. The
world is my world. My inner structure is a basic pattern. Focusing attention on the information I choose with this structure I incorporate into my existing world. The preconscious
spontaneously enter the "hületic" raw materials. I am coming this raw material around the illusion of time and space. The repetition of the pattern also means the aging of man. The
expanding world as well.
2. An inspirational new system approach that suits Bertalanffy's program. In my experience, the Bohm method of dialogue is a free flow of ideas within the group. So I can gain recognition
in the group that I can not attain individually. In the dialogue, I look at all the experienced participants as an equal partner. I think of the emerging idea, I go through it, observe it. I suspend
and communicate my own prerequisites, my beliefs. hitrendszereimet. I share my knowledge, recognition. I have to talk about a communication theory that keeps Bohm's theory of
dialogue alive, but wants to satisfy Bertalanffy's program to create the most unequivocal unit in both communication and ethics. That's what my world needs for. Is there a kind of system
approach that suits Bertalanffy's program? A system approach that wants to stay as scientific as rigorous as possible, so it is the least tolerant to those elements that are inherent to its
system itself, which are not universal, and as I experience which are capable being refuted, disproved by another scientist. By consequence of SourceCode theory there is not more
justified to thinking this way like mine, against than those way that do the others. I read Bertalanffy's statement that dualism, to thinking in body-mind duality can not be sustained longer.
because their scientifically substantiated arguments made the two sides impossible by scholars arguing against each other, and accordingly I have to rethinking and I have to rephrase all
the claims in which this structure of thought is hide. (from Descartes to Russel, Quine, Wilber, Dennett, Earle, Chalmers, Varela etc) How possibile this? What should I do? This is
possible by examining whether a given statement, predicate contains a factor that does not go through the basic question-answer response test. What is the basic question and what is
this test? The dualism can also be formulated in the sense that our knowledge actually comes from where? From your mind or your experience from outside? (From this the Bohr-Einstein
dispute can be deduced also.) Know yourself. Know the knower.I know the cognitioner first, this is the most immediate one, the knowledge comes almost from itself. I gave myself an
answer that did not care about to answer the test, to this question. This answer is scientifically based on the most unpopular grounds. This ultimately leads to a universal system
approach, communication theory, and ethics. All three are completely a new Copernicus turns. This is what I need today in my world. In this lecture I present the basic system, I gave it the
name source code theory.
3. The way we think about our world is a simple pattern. Always this pattern repeats. Consciousness is also fractal. With much experience and reflection this can be recognized. It can
help to recognize this. Sometimes we find something bad. This is, of course, only bad due to a certain interpretation of the information. The pattern I want to replace can be found in
every layer. To successfully change, information decoding structures have to be broken down. You have to get to where you are experiencing a clear electoral situation. Choose
between the previously used and erroneous and some new interpretative structures. Three simple questions. We examine the possible answers using the source code theory. The result
of this test will be that we can get so deep that we can only use all of the really good methods together. The three questions: Who am I? Who do I hold myself? what do I want to
become? It's too simple, that's good.
An elaborate answer

Though I have been evolving over the 40 years of
noting patterns and participating and organising
(family, students, communities) very few seem to
agree or feel to be part of my activities, but are
organically embedded in their own life systems and
don't join my research. Yet I am empowered by my
connection to the university to continue to organise
projects and events at various period and scales every
year. As a systems theorist and practitioner, I keep
learning and trying to transmit... but the actual physical
demands on time and the body are a challenge. No
one replaces me. What I do, no one else does. I feel
like migratory bird with a regular round.
Unfortunately, I am at the stage
of questioning of my pattern
recognition capability. As such, I
cannot "at the moment" specify
my understanding of patterns.
Personal impressions

Mapping Patterns Landscape - Overview Results

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