Service ecology

Definition: A service ecology is a system of actors and the relationships between them that form a service. The service ecology takes a systemic view of the service and the context it will operate in. Service ecologies include all actors affected by a service, not only those directly involved in production or use. By analysing service ecologies, it is possible to reveal opportunities for new actors to join the ecology and new relationships between them. Ultimately, sustainable service ecologies depend on a balance where the actors involved exchange value in ways that is mutually beneficial over time. Source: Livework Studio Ltd References: Bonnie A. Nardi and Vicky L. O’Day, Information Ecologies. Using Technology with Heart, 1999, ISBN 0262140667 Cinzia Parolini, The Value Net: A Tool for Competitive Strategy, 1999, ISBN 0471987190 Designing Product/Service Systems: A Methodological Exploration, Nicola Morelli in Design Issues: Volume 18, Number 3 Summer 2002