Softuerike

Softuerike is a neologism used in some software studies to describe a holistic approach to software development that foregrounds adaptability, resilience, and socio-technical context. The term is not codified in formal standards, and its meaning varies across discussions and communities.

Core ideas of softuerike include designing software that can adapt to different user contexts and operational environments, ensuring resilience to failures, and embedding privacy and security considerations by design. It also emphasizes explainability, user trust, and a balance between automation and human oversight. Advocates envision software that can evolve over time without compromising safety or accountability.

Practices associated with softuerike often include modular and interoperable architectures, proactive risk assessment during the design phase, and ongoing verification, validation, and monitoring. Governance and documentation are encouraged to clarify responsibilities, decision-making criteria, and accountability for outcomes. User feedback loops and sociotechnical analysis are commonly cited as essential components.

Applications tended to be discussed in contexts where context sensitivity and safety are critical, such as AI-enabled systems, healthcare IT, industrial control, and consumer devices with diverse deployment environments.

Critics note that softuerike can be vague and overlapping with established concepts like software architecture, risk management, resilience engineering, and human-centered design. Until widely adopted, it may function more as a heuristic or educational framing than a prescriptive methodology.

See also: software engineering, risk management, resilience engineering, human-centered design, software architecture.