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4
System Interfaces
How the Elements
Work Together
In previous chapters we focused on identifying specic technical elements
and mapping them onto the system model. Now, we are going to examine
how elements interface with each other.
An interface between elements is a high-value innovation target because
it enables the system to grow and evolve—in Lego-like fashion—through
addition, removal, and replacement of its elements. For instance, power out-
lets in our houses make it easy for us to add electric devices, move them from
room to room, replace light bulbs, and so on.
System interfaces let the ever-changing elements interact with each other