Domain

to reduce entropy

to protect channel

to retain integrity

to drive flow

Fluid

reduce charge loss

sustain channel volume

set and restore tightness

create pressure difference

Electric

reduce heat losses

prevent short circuits

prevent leakage currents

create electric potential difference

Mechanical

reduce mechanical losses

prevent corrosion

reduce flexibility

house bearing

Thermal

reduce heat resistance

reduce fouling

reduce heat losses to environment

create temperature difference

Information

reduce spent energy per bit

reduce noise

reduce data loss

supply power

Function

limit cost

define robustness

define availability

define performance

Method

ease communication

prevent noise

retain information

define deadline

Software

require predictability

require robustness

require stability

define time response

Vegetables

reduce charge losses

prevent attacks

retain fluids

Drive water and nutrients

Animal body

reduce energy for displacement

protect against aggression

keep fluids, nutrient, and heat

drive movement

Animal mind

seek cooperation

maximize minimum payoff

retain status

maximize maximum payoff

Enterprises

seek freedom

manage risks

seek stability

make profit