Interfaces of Power
Boundary Resources define what is possible within an ecosystem. They are the tools that grant access and capability. In extractive platforms, these resources are often weapons of control—changing APIs to kill third-party apps, or hiding data behind paywalls. This creates an antagonistic relationship between the platform and its ecosystem (the "walled garden" model).
The Permeable Membrane
In biological systems, cell membranes are crucial boundary resources. They are not solid walls; they are selectively permeable, allowing nutrients in and waste out while protecting the cell's integrity. Myceloom interface design follows this logic. Boundary resources should be:
- Transparent: Clear documentation and stable protocols.
- Accessible: Low barriers to entry for new participants.
- Protective: Preventing systemic harm (like infinite loops or resource depletion).
Tuning the Boundary
Effective platform governance involves "distributed tuning" of these resources. Rather than a dictator setting rules from on high, the interface evolves through feedback. If developers find a new use case, the boundary resources expand to support it, rather than constraining it. This turns the platform into a Trellis Structure for growth.