Complex systems are usually difficult to design and control. There are several particular methods for coping with complexity, but there is no general approach to build complex systems. In this book I propose a methodology to aid engineers in the design and control of complex systems. This is based on the description of systems as self-organizing. Starting from the agent metaphor, the methodology proposes a conceptual framework and a series of steps to follow to find proper mechanisms that will promote elements to find solutions by actively interacting among themselves.

The information in this scientific research book is composed of papers first presented at a symposium held in 1963 and sponsored by the Office of Naval Research in Pasadena. At that time the concept of self-organising systems was new, so it was held in order to disseminate this new thinking and to collate what was then known.