COMPLEXITY MODELS IN DESIGN
DS 32: Proceedings of DESIGN 2004, the 8th International Design Conference, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Year: 2004
Editor: Marjanovic D.
Author: Earl, C.; Eckert, C.; Johnson, J.
Section: DESIGN RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
Page(s): 163 - 168
Abstract
Complexity has many formal and informal meanings. Several formal models of complexity can be applied to designs and design processes and conversely. First designing provides insights into how to respond to complex systems – how to manage, plan and control them. Second, the overwhelming complexity of many design projects lead us to examine how better understanding of complexity science can lead to improved designs and processes. This is the focus of this paper. First an outline of some observations on where complexity arises in design is presented, followed by a discussion on the development of scientific and formal meanings of complexity. We indicate how these can help in understanding design processes and improving designs.
Keywords: complexity, process, product, simulation, connectivity