Increasing the interpretive flexibility of information systems through embedded application systems

The conceptual structure of most computer-based information systems reflects a dualism of technology. During the development phase, part of the work-domain related knowledge is formalized and encoded in the software, making it difficult for users to reflect upon and use this knowledge. This dualism deters the interpretive flexibility of information systems. In this paper, I propose the Embedded Systems Approach, a redesign of the conceptual structure of software systems that lets users acknowledge the constructed, dual nature of information systems. In this approach, applications are embedded in extended support systems that make the organization of work and the coordinating role of information systems explicit. It also helps users handle breakdowns. The resulting systems are called Embedded Application Systems. I describe the XTEND2 prototype to illustrate the approach and to inspire commercial implementations.