Pace Layers is a concept that offers a fresh perspective on how change occurs in complex systems. The idea, conceived by Stewart Brand, proposes that different parts of a system change at varying speeds, with each layer providing stability to the faster ones above it. The slowest layer, ‘Nature,’ changes over millennia, while the ‘Culture’ layer changes over centuries to millennia. ‘Governance’ alters over decades to centuries, ‘Infrastructure’ over years to decades, and ‘Commerce’ over months to years. The fastest layer, ‘Fashion/Art,’ shifts from weeks to months.
The concept is applicable to numerous systems, including cities, software, and organisations. In cities, for example, the ‘Nature’ layer comprises the city’s geographical location, while ‘Fashion/Art’ includes trendy restaurants or pop-up stores.
Understanding Pace Layers helps identify the slow parts of a system that need to be preserved for stability, and the fast parts that need to change for innovation. It also highlights the importance of the ‘Shear Layers,’ the areas of conflict between the fast and slow layers. It is within these Shear Layers that most interesting changes occur, leading to innovation and progress. This framework offers a unique lens to view, understand, and manage complex systems.
Go to source article: https://www.noahbrier.com/archives/2018/08/framework-of-the-day-pace-layers/