Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
Integrationskomplexitätsindex als ein strukturierter Ansatz zur quantitativen Bewertung von Integrationsrisiken
Chris-Kilian Müller, David Inkermann
Type:
Year:
2025
Editor:
Dieter Krause, Kristin Paetzold, Sandro Wartzack
Author:
Series:
DfX
Institution:
Technische Universität Clausthal
Section:
Model-Based Development / Systems Engineering
Page(s):
10
DOI number:
Abstract:
Integration of complex mechatronic systems is challenged by architectural heterogeneity, interdependencies, and emergent behaviors. This paper investigates architectural drivers of integration errors and effort and introduces the Integration Complexity Index (ICI) as a quantitative metric to assess them. Based on a literature review and documented integration failures, recurrent problems were identified, grouped into eight thematic clusters, and mapped to four complexity dimensions: structural, topological, integrative, and functional. The ICI aggregates these dimensions additively, reflecting the number, arrangement, coordination, and behavior of system components without overemphasizing extreme values. The index was applied to a SysML model of a pedelec energy system integrating energy recovery. Results demonstrate that higher ICI values correspond to higher integration difficulty, enabling transparent assessment and prioritization of architectural alternatives. Future work should validate the ICI across diverse contexts, refine dimension weights, and explore its use for planning and optimizing integration strategies.
Keywords:
