Join Us Sign In

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.

Measure it to manage it – quantitative review of product family complexity metrics

Kehrhahn, Lasse (1); Meyer, Matthias (1); Meßerschmidt, Ole Jan (1); Gumpinger, Thomas (2)

Type:
Papers
DS 145: Proceedings of the DESIGN2026 19th International Design Conference
Year:
2026
Editor:
Štorga, M.; Škec, S.; Martinec, T.; Marjanović, D.; Pavković, N.
Author:
Kehrhahn, Lasse (1); Meyer, Matthias (1); Meßerschmidt, Ole Jan (1); Gumpinger, Thomas (2)
Series:
DESIGN
Institution:
1: Hamburg University of Technology, Germany; 2: Odego GmbH, Germany
Page(s):
043-052
DOI number:
10.1017/pds.2026.10363
ISSN:
2732-527X (Online)
Abstract:
Product variety increases complexity across product, process, and organizational domains, yet existing complexity measures offer limited guidance for design decisions. This study implements established metrics within a framework to enable consistent assessment across domains. The results reveal substantial redundancies among these metrics - with the notable exception of modularity, emphasizing its central role in complexity management. The consolidated measure set provides practitioners with a systematic basis for evaluating design strategies and managing complexity in product families.
Keywords:
product families, complexity, modularisation, simulation-based design
DESIGN2026 - The 19th International Design Conference
Conferences

This site uses cookies and other tracking technologies to assist with navigation and your ability to provide feedback, analyse your use of our products and services, assist with our promotional and marketing efforts, and provide content from third parties. Privacy Policy.

Cookie Settings Accept Cookies