Their solutions were usually implemented by legislation, top-down decree, or by voluntary action. While some of the systems may have been temporarily useful, their implementation, management, support, and maintenance methods meant that they were destined to fail in the long run. The second generation thus changed this. Obviously, this type of top down solution seldom sits well with the actual workers and most often completely fails. The problem with these first two approaches has been identified.
Most people today know that such beliefs no longer hold for a healthy, productive system.
This method was prevalent during the 50's and 60's and, unfortunately, still sees some use today. The evolution of these next two generations is highly effected by societal ethics. In other, simpler words, people should build and control their own systems. The third generation approach brings the design expert into the system from outside. This process can be a participative process.