The Logic of Deferring the Design Process 125 Copyright Idea Group Inc. Copyright Idea Group Inc. Copyright Idea Group Inc. Copyright Idea Group Inc. Chapter VI The Logic of Deferring the Design Process Nandish V. Patel Brunel University, UK The aim of this chapter is to formulate theoretical foundations for deferring the IS design process to inform adaptable usage of deferred systems. A research agenda for Deferred Systems Design is set and a new system component, the System-System Environment Interface, is defined as the public interface through which a deferred system can maintain close coupling with the system environment. A Problem-solving and planning technique is suggested, the Deferred-Specified IT/IS Matrix, to aid software developers to position a proposed system development in the system environment. A systems analysis technique is suggested to identify deferment points in a given system design. The chapter identifies seven properties of deferred systems that software developers can use to inform adaptable system designs. INTRODUCTION The logic of deferring the information system (IS) design process to so-called users is embedded in the systems environment (SE). The thesis of this chapter is This chapter appears in the book, Adaptive Evolutionary Information Systems edited by Nandish V. Patel. Copyright ' 2003, Idea Group Inc. 701 E. Chocolate Avenue, Hershey PA 17033-1240, USA Tel: 717/533-8845; Fax 717/533-8661; URL-http://www.idea-group.com ITB8282 IDEA GROUP PUBLISHING