Weak Signal
Research Paper |
Part I:
Introduction to Weak Signal Research |
Just what is Weak Signal Research, and why is it
important? Some definitions and stories to illustrate the
basic principles are included here. |
Part II:
Information Theory |
If we're going to talk about weak signals, it might
be helpful to know how engineers and scientists think
about and work with signals in general. This part is an
introduction to Claude Shannon and Norbert Wiener and
their work in the field. |
Part III:
Sampling, Uncertainty and Phase Shifts in Weak Signals |
This is a continuation of the information theory
covered in part II but with a stronger metaphorical
connection to how organizations hunt for weak signals and
some of the things that trip them up in the process. |
Part IV:
Evolution and Growth of the Weak Signal to Maturity |
A metaphorical hypothesis on how weak signals are
formed in the economy, how they propagate and grow to
become ecosystems of strong signals. |
Part V: A
Process Model for Weak Signal Research |
Two models are presented as rudimentary methodologies
for running a WSR program. The first shows the
interaction between players in the game; the second
focuses on steps in the process. |
Associated Papers
and Archival Material |
Envisioning
the Future: The Weak Signal Research Model |
This model of Weak Signal Research emerged during the
WSR Workshop held at the Hilton Head knOwhere store in
May, 1997. It describes in detail the system of
activities leading up to the first
phase transition and also presents a detailed example
of how the model works. |
Miller's Living
Systems Model |
James Grier Miller has produced one of the most
wonderful expositions on how life works ever written. His
19 component model has stood the test of time and and can
be applied directly to our organizations to gain insight
and assistance in redesign. |
Forecasting |
An article from the Taylor archives that boils all of
WSR down into an elegant nutshell. If you just want an
overview of the subject, read this and skip the rest. |
Scenario
Building |
Another archive document that describes how to do a
Scenario exercise in a DesignShop. If you're new to the
network, compare this description with current practice! |
Glossary of
Weak Signal Terms |
Just what it says. |
Delphis |
Archive material that illustrates a technique that
you can use to gather weak signals. Son of a gun! it also
serves as a mechanism for propagating weak signals,
although the article doesn't mention that. Second
Foundationers beware! This shows the process for
designing the iterated questionnaire. It works kind of
like Patch Theory... |
Inspectional
Reading |
If you don't have time to read Mortimer Adler's book How
To Read a Book, then this is the next best thing. A
good technique to apply to WSR if you must cull through
loads of articles. |
Rules of the Web |
An application of Stuart Kauffman's Patch Theory to
the art of collaborative design in a DesignShop. The
paper presents a set of rules by which large groups can
divide into patches, and using only random connections
between individuals for communication--and no hierarchy
or central control--develop a cohesive product as a web
in addition to high fitness level products as patches.
The rules are applicable to organizing to conduct weak
signal research. |
Phase
Transitions in The Emergence of Weak Signals |
This short paper hypothesizes the existence of two
phase transitions in the life of weak signals: one when
the signal is first invented or discovered, and the other
when the signal is on the verge of becoming mainstream.
The article examines the typical behavior of the growth
of the signal between these two phase transitions. |
Related MG Taylor
Models |
Appropriate Response |
A filtering model that can be used in building
scenarios of weak signals and also for evaluating the
signals themselves, or the organizational response to a
weak signal threat or opportunity. |
'Spoze |
The basic "what-if" model that serves as
the philosophical underpinning for WSR. If you can't play
'spoze, then turn in your membership to the WSR club and
your secret decoder ring as well! :-) |