Black Box

The concept of a black box is important in describing technological systems. A black box can be thought of as representing a part of a technological system that is reduced to inputs, outputs, and a hidden transformation process or series of processes.

When working with and understanding technological systems and subsystems, there are advantages and disadvantages in defining elements as 'black boxes'.

Explanatory paper: www.techlink.org.nz/curriculum-support/papers/knowledge/tech-systems/page2.htm 

Example: Strategies for Engaging Students: Technological Systems: Level Six

Black Box Activity: Supports students to indentify why subsystems may be 'black boxed' for development and/or maintenance purposes and guide them to understand how this can result in both advantages (reduced need to understand all aspects of the system, ability to replace faulty subsystem without disrupting the entire system) and disadvantages (troubleshooting can be difficult).