Local absorption of uncertainty in complex systems using resilient objects

Journal article, 2024

Traditional approaches to managing uncertainties during product development often lead to increased complexity and resource consumption. This paper introduces the concept of ‘resilient objects’ as an alternative solution, designed to provide passive protection against disruptive events of different kinds, thereby reducing the necessity for complex margins at system interfaces. The paper illustrates the concept of resilient objects through practical examples, which demonstrate the objects’ ability to uphold system functionality even when faced with unexpected disruptive events. By embodying resilience locally in areas of the system that are most susceptible to uncertain conditions, resilient objects offer the potential to minimise interface margins and thus the need for excessive system over-design. The concept of resilient objects offers a new perspective on how to solve the trade-offs between resilience and complexity when addressing uncertainties in the dynamic landscape of product development.