This document discusses the use of "pattern languages" to capture recurring problems and solutions. A pattern language is a set of interrelated patterns organized into a lattice. The document provides examples of architectural patterns and socio-technical patterns. It describes several specific socio-technical patterns such as "Greater Gathering" and "Small Successes Early" that are aimed at problem solving. Finally, it outlines potential uses of a pattern language approach such as problem identification, design, knowledge sharing, and cumulating knowledge across contexts.

1. Understanding and
Harnessing Conflict
THOMAS John, IBM Research and Self-Efficacy
Advisory Foundation
2012, May 5

3. A Pattern Language
 Christopher Alexander
 Architectural “Patterns” that capture
recurring problems and solutions
 Organized into a “Pattern Language” – a
lattice of inter-related Patterns.
 Examples:
– Eccentric Town Center encourages commuter
traffic to stop at Town Center
– European Pub
– Gradient of Privacy in homes: porch, entry,
living room, dinning room, kitchen, bedroom

4. Some Socio-Technical Patterns
 Community of Communities
 Reality Check
 Greater Gathering
 Small Successes Early
 Who Speaks for Wolf?
 Support Conversation across Boundaries
 Iroquois “Rule of Six”
 Work side by side on COMMON goal
 Context-setting Entry
 Anonymized Stories for Organizational Learning
 Mentoring Circle
 Rites of Passage

5. Greater Gathering

6. Small Successes Early

7. Who Speaks for Wolf?
Visual by www.PDIimages.com

8. Support Conversation at the
Borders

9. Iroquois “Rule of Six”

10. Work Side by Side on Common Goal

11. Potential Uses of a Pattern
Language Approach
 Problem identification and formulation
 Lingua franca among stakeholders
 Problem solving (tool of thought)
 Design, maintenance (understanding
implications of change) and documentation
 Capture, find, and share reusable
intellectual assets
 Cumulate knowledge for use across
contexts

12. For more information:
 http://www.pliant.org/personal/Tom_Erickson/InteractionPatterns.html
 www.truthtable.com/patterns.html/
 www.research.ibm.com/knowsoc/
 www.truthtable.com/websitewelcome_page_index.html
 http://www.hcipatterns.org/
 http://www.publicsphereproject.org/patterns/
http://www.ibm.com/developerWorks/patterns/
 Thomas, J. C. (2001). An HCI Agenda for the Next Millennium: Emergent Global
Intelligence. In R. Earnshaw, R. Guedj, A. van Dam, and J. Vince (Eds.), Frontiers
of human-centered computing, online communities, and virtual environments.
London: Springer-Verlag.