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Chapter 2
Joint Cognitive Systems
Adapt to Cope with
Complexity
Genera l patterns in cognitive work do no t exist sepa rate from
particular intersections o f specific people, t echnologies and work
activities. Hence, field s ettings are mor e than unique domains or
exotic fields of practice, but function in parallel as natural
laboratories wher e these generic patterns emerge. What approaches
would help us discover the essential patterns underlying the surface
diversity of people, technology and work? What techniques would help
us begin to unpack or partially decompose the complexities of s ystems
of people, technologies and wor k activities into meaningful parts and
their interactions? How do we use general patterns to guide change
and innovate new