172 Joint Cognitive Systems
Commentary
Studies and models of J CSs always begin with exam ining how practice has
adapted to handle variability. Of particular importance is the fact that events and
situations can arise that cha llenge the boundary conditions on how practice has
adapted—the potential for surprise. The promising direction for new designs that
would support work is amplifying control in the fa ce of var iability in the world.
One should note how the word “surprise” recurs throughout the discuss ions of
JCSs at work. Anomaly respons e and discov ery in science are based on recognizing
a surprising f inding (Peirc e, 1955). B eing prepared to b e surprised is critic al to
revise asses sm ents to avoid b eing stuck in one view when the s ituati ...