Adaptability and Stability are forces that are in constant tension. On one hand, systems must be able to confront novelty without blinking. On the other, they should not squander their patrimony on spur of the moment misadventures. Therefore , factor your system so that artifacts that change at similar rates are together. Most interactions in a system tend to be within layers, or between adjacent layers.
Individual layers tend to be about things that change at similar rates.
Things that change at different rates diverge. Differential rates of change encourage layers to emerge. Brand notes as well that occupational specialties emerge along with these layers. The rate at which things change shapes our organizations as well. For instance, decorators and painters concern themselves with interiors, while architects dwell on site and skin.