D. Braha et O. Maimon, THE MEASUREMENT OF A DESIGN STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL COMPLEXITY, IEEE transactions on systems, man and cybernetics. Part A. Systems and humans, 28(4), 1998, pp. 527-535
Citations number
23
Categorie Soggetti
Computer Science Cybernetics","Computer Science Theory & Methods","Computer Science Cybernetics","Computer Science Theory & Methods
The complexity of a design process or a design artifact substantially
influences their performance. When evaluation of terms such as ''desig
n complexity'' and its ''quality'' is addressed in studies, it is ofte
n performed in an ad hoc manner. This paper attempts to remedy this si
tuation by articulating two definitions of design complexity (structur
al complexity versus functional complexity), their associated value me
asures, and the relationships between them. The structural definition
states that a design complexity is a function of its representation. D
efining design complexity in the structural way provides quantitative
techniques for evaluating vague terms such as ''abstraction level,'' '
'design form's size,'' and ''designing effort.'' The functional defini
tion states that a design complexity is a function of its probability
of successfully achieving the required specifications (functional requ
irements and constraints). The proposed measurable metrics provide a p
roper basis for evaluating each step of the design process, and accord
ingly recommends the direction to follow for design modification and e
nhancement. It also provides a framework for comparing competing artif
acts (the output of a design process). The paper concludes by discussi
ng the scope of the measures.