Experiences and challenges in system design

This paper examines the desirability and viability of state-of-the-art system design at the university. To put the problem in perspective, a number of actual designs exercises, executed at UC Berkeley over the last decade, will be examined. A number of potential models for success are proposed and analyzed. While this paper might provide some insight, it is surely hoped that it might serve as the basis for an ongoing discussion that might lead to an (inter)national infrastructure for system-design in the long term.