Relationality design for system of systems: Tree-typed vs. Rhizome-typed systems approach

Toward the understanding and design of System-of-Systems (SoS) which consists of functional and complex interactions and cooperation of independent systems, we introduce “Rhizome” as a concept to complement the so-called tree-typed systems approach, and discuss the significance and potential of the Rhizome-typed systems approach. While the tree-typed approach employs hierarchical structure and functional partition in inter-systems, the Rhizome-typed approach should promote change and/or difference generation in systems without postulating hierarchical structure and functional partition. From a viewpoint of the Rhizome-typed systems design, we discuss the significance of Relationality-oriented systems design and relationality design, and denote relationalty networks between humans, tangible and intangible artifacts as dynamical mechanisms for differentiation that mediate interactions and cooperation of systems.