In terms of design, what does the term "holistic" refer to?

The term "holistic" in the context of design refers to systemic integration, which emphasizes viewing a system as a whole rather than merely as a collection of individual parts. This approach acknowledges that the behavior and performance of a system cannot be understood solely by examining its components in isolation; instead, it is essential to consider how these components interact and integrate with each other within the broader context.

By adopting a holistic perspective, designers can better address complex interactions, dependencies, and emergent properties that arise when parts work together in a system. This way of thinking encourages solutions that optimize the overall performance and functionality of the system, leading to more effective and sustainable designs. Such an integrated approach is particularly valuable in systems engineering, where the goal is to develop coherent, efficient, and effective systems that fulfill stakeholder requirements.